Variable magnification optical system, optical device, and production method for variable magnification optical system

ABSTRACT

Comprising, in order from an object side: a first lens group G1 having positive refractive power; a second lens group G2 having negative refractive power; a third lens group G3 having positive refractive power; and a fourth lens group G4 having positive refractive power; upon zooming from a wide-angle end state to a telephoto end state, the first lens group G1 being fixed in the position in the direction of the optical axis, at least the second lens group G2 and the third lens group G3 being moved in the direction of the optical axis such that a distance between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 is increased and a distance between the second lens group G2 and the third lens group G3 is decreased; and a predetermined conditional expression being satisfied, thereby providing a variable magnification optical system which can suppress variations in aberrations upon zooming and having excellent optical performance from a wide angle end state to a telephoto end state, an optical apparatus, and a method for manufacturing a variable magnification optical system.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a variable magnification opticalsystem, an optical device, and a production method for the variablemagnification optical system.

BACKGROUND ART

There has been proposed a variable magnification optical system suitablefor a photographing camera, an electronic still camera, a video cameraor the like, for example, in Japanese Patent application Laid-OpenGazette No. 2008-70450.

PRIOR ART REFERENCE Patent Document

-   Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent application Laid-Open Gazette No.    2008-70450

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention

However, in the conventional variable magnification optical system asdescribed above, there was a problem that excellent optical performancecould not have been realized.

The present invention is made in view of the above-described problem,and has an object to provide a variable magnification optical systemcapable of realizing excellent optical performance from a wide angle endstate to a telephoto end state, an optical apparatus, and a method formanufacturing the variable magnification optical system.

In order to solve the above-mentioned object, according to a firstaspect of the present invention, there is provided a variablemagnification optical system comprising, in order from an object side: afirst lens group having positive refractive power; a second lens grouphaving negative refractive power; a third lens group having positiverefractive power; and a fourth lens group having positive refractivepower;

upon zooming from a wide-angle end state to a telephoto end state, thefirst lens group being fixed in a position in the direction of theoptical axis, at least the second lens group and the third lens groupbeing moved in the direction of the optical axis such that a distancebetween the first lens group and the second lens group is increased anda distance between the second lens group and the third lens group isdecreased;

at least a portion of the first to the fourth lens groups being so movedto have a component in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis;and

the following conditional expression being satisfied:

−1.20<fw ²/(f13w×f4)<−0.20

where f13w denotes a composite focal length of the first lens group tothe third lens group in the wide angle end state, f4 denotes a focallength of the fourth lens group, and fw denotes a focal length of thevariable magnification optical system in the wide angle end state.

Further, according to a second aspect of the present invention, there isprovided an optical apparatus equipped with the variable magnificationoptical system according to the first aspect of the present invention.

Further, according to a third aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a variable magnification optical system comprising, in orderfrom an object side: a first lens group having positive refractivepower; a second lens group having negative refractive power; a thirdlens group having positive refractive power; and a fourth lens grouphaving positive refractive power;

upon zooming from a wide-angle end state to a telephoto end state, thefirst lens group being fixed in a position in the direction of theoptical axis, at least the second lens group and the third lens groupbeing moved in the direction of the optical axis such that a distancebetween the first lens group and the second lens group is increased anda distance between the second lens group and the third lens group isdecreased;

the fourth lens group comprising, in order from the object side, a firstsegment lens group having positive refractive power, a second segmentlens group having negative refractive power and a third segment lensgroup having positive refractive power; and

at least a portion of the second lens group being so moved to have acomponent in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis; and

the following conditional expressions being satisfied:

−1.60<f4B/f4C<−0.50

−1.60<f4/f4B<−0.60

where f4 denotes a focal length of the fourth lens group, f4B denotes afocal length of the second segment lens group, and f4C denotes a focallength of the third segment lens group.

Further, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there isprovided an optical apparatus equipped with the variable magnificationoptical system according to the third aspect of the present invention.

Further, according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a method for manufacturing a variable magnification opticalsystem comprising, in order from an object side: a first lens grouphaving positive refractive power; a second lens group having negativerefractive power; a third lens group having positive refractive power;and a fourth lens group having positive refractive power;

the method comprising the steps of:

constructing the first lens group to the fourth lens groups to satisfythe following conditional expression:

−1.20<fw ²/(f13w×f4)<−0.20

where f13w denotes a composite focal length of the first lens group tothe third lens group in the wide angle end state, f4 denotes a focallength of the fourth lens group, and fw denotes a focal length of thevariable magnification optical system in the wide angle end state;

constructing at least the second lens group and the third lens group tobe moved in a direction of the optical axis such that, upon zooming froma wide-angle end state to a telephoto end state, the first lens group isfixed in a position in the direction of the optical axis, a distancebetween the first lens group and the second lens group is increased anda distance between the second lens group and the third lens group isdecreased; and

constructing at least a portion of the first lens group to the fourthlens group to be moved to have a component in a direction perpendicularto the optical axis.

Further, according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a method for manufacturing a variable magnification opticalsystem comprising, in order from an object side: a first lens grouphaving positive refractive power; a second lens group having negativerefractive power; a third lens group having positive refractive power;and a fourth lens group having positive refractive power;

the method comprising the steps of:

constructing the fourth lens group to comprise, in order from the objectside, a first segment lens group having positive refractive power, asecond segment lens group having negative refractive power and a thirdsegment lens group having positive refractive power;

constructing the fourth lens group to satisfy the following conditionalexpressions:

−1.60<f4B/f4C<−0.50

−1.60<f4/f4B<−0.60

where f4 denotes a focal length of the fourth lens group, f4B denotes afocal length of the second segment lens group, and f4C denotes a focallength of the third segment lens group;

constructing at least the second lens group and the third lens group tobe movable in the direction of the optical axis such that, upon zoomingfrom a wide-angle end state to a telephoto end state, the first lensgroup is fixed in a position in the direction of the optical axis, adistance between the first lens group and the second lens group isincreased and a distance between the second lens group and the thirdlens group is decreased; and

constructing at least a portion of the second lens group to be moved tohave a component in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

Effect of the Invention

According to the first, second and fifth aspects of the presentinvention, there are provided a variable magnification optical systemwhich is capable of suppressing variations in aberrations upon zoomingand having excellent optical performance from a wide angle end state toa telephoto end state, an optical apparatus, and a method formanufacturing a variable magnification optical system.

According to the third, fourth and sixth aspects of the presentinvention, there are provided a variable magnification optical systemwhich is capable of suppressing deterioration in optical performanceupon conducting vibration reduction, and having excellent opticalperformance from a wide angle end state to a telephoto end state, anoptical apparatus, and a method for manufacturing a variablemagnification optical system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a variable magnification opticalsystem according to the First Example that is common to a first to thirdembodiments of the present application.

FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C are graphs showing various aberrations of thevariable magnification optical system according to the First Example ofthe present application upon focusing on an infinite distance object, inwhich FIG. 2A shows various aberrations in a wide-angle end state, FIG.2B shows various aberrations in an intermediate focal length state, andFIG. 2C shows various aberrations in a telephoto end state.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are graphs showing meridional transverse aberration ofthe variable magnification optical system according to the First Exampleof the present application upon focusing on an infinitely distant objectand conducting vibration reduction, in which FIG. 3A shows meridionaltransverse aberration in a wide-angle end state, and FIG. 3B showsmeridional transverse aberration in a telephoto end state.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing a variable magnification opticalsystem according to the Second Example that is common to a first tothird embodiments of the present application.

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C are graphs showing various aberrations of thevariable magnification optical system according to the Second Example ofthe present application upon focusing on an infinitely distant object,in which FIG. 5A shows various aberrations in a wide-angle end state,FIG. 5B shows various aberrations in an intermediate focal length state,and FIG. 5C shows various aberrations in a telephoto end state.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are graphs showing meridional transverse aberration ofthe variable magnification optical system according to the SecondExample of the present application upon focusing on an infinitelydistant object and conducting vibration reduction, in which FIG. 6Ashows meridional transverse aberration in a wide-angle end state, andFIG. 6B shows meridional transverse aberration in a telephoto end state.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing a variable magnification opticalsystem according to the Third Example that is common to a first to thirdembodiments of the present application.

FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C are graphs showing various aberrations of thevariable magnification optical system according to the Third Example ofthe present application upon focusing on an infinitely distant object,in which FIG. 8A shows various aberrations in a wide-angle end state,FIG. 8B shows various aberrations in an intermediate focal length state,and FIG. 8C shows various aberrations in a telephoto end state.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are graphs showing meridional transverse aberration ofthe variable magnification optical system according to the Third Exampleof the present application upon focusing on an infinitely distant objectand conducting vibration reduction, in which FIG. 9A shows meridionaltransverse aberration in a wide-angle end state, and FIG. 9B showsmeridional transverse aberration in a telephoto end state.

FIG. 10 is a view showing a configuration of a camera equipped with thevariable magnification optical system according to the first to thirdembodiments.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart schematically explaining a method formanufacturing the variable magnification optical system according to thethird embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 12 is a view showing an example of a state where light raysincident in the variable magnification optical system according to theFirst Example of the present application are reflected by a firstreflecting surface and a second reflecting surface therein and generateghost and flare on the image plane.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory view showing an example of a layer structureof an antireflection coating.

FIG. 14 is a graph showing a spectral characteristic of anantireflection coating.

FIG. 15 is a graph showing a spectral characteristic of anantireflection coating according to a modified Example.

FIG. 16 is a graph showing an incident angle dependency of the spectralcharacteristic of the antireflection coating according to the modifiedExample.

FIG. 17 is a graph showing a spectral characteristic of anantireflection coating produced by a conventional technique.

FIG. 18 is a graph showing an incident angle dependency of a spectralcharacteristic of an antireflection coating produced by a conventionaltechnique.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart schematically showing a method for manufacturingthe variable magnification optical system according to the firstembodiment of the present application.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart schematically showing a method for manufacturingthe variable magnification optical system according to the secondembodiment of the present application.

EMBODIMENTS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The variable magnification optical system, the optical apparatus and themethod for manufacturing the variable magnification optical systemaccording to the first embodiment of the present application isexplained below.

The variable magnification optical system according to the firstembodiment of the present application comprises, in order from an objectside: a first lens group having positive refractive power; a second lensgroup having negative refractive power; a third lens group havingpositive refractive power; and a fourth lens group having positiverefractive power;

upon zooming from a wide-angle end state to a telephoto end state, thefirst lens group being fixed in a position in the direction of theoptical axis and at least the second lens group and the third lens groupbeing moved in a direction of the optical axis such that a distancebetween the first lens group and the second lens group is increased anda distance between the second lens group and the third lens group isdecreased;

at least a portion of the first to the fourth lens groups being somoved, as a vibration reduction lens group, to have a component in adirection perpendicular to the optical axis; and

the following conditional expression (1) being satisfied:

−1.20<fw ²/(f13w×f4)<−0.20  (1)

where f13w denotes a composite focal length of the first lens group tothe third lens group in the wide angle end state, f4 denotes a focallength of the fourth lens group, and fw denotes a focal length of thevariable magnification optical system in the wide angle end state.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the firstembodiment of the present application, at least a portion of the firstto the fourth lens groups is so moved, as a vibration reduction lensgroup, to have a component in a direction perpendicular to the opticalaxis, so that an image position upon camera shake being caused iscorrected, in other words, vibration reduction is conducted.

The conditional expression (1) defines a conjugate length and amagnification of the fourth lens group. The variable magnificationoptical system according to the first embodiment of the presentapplication is capable of reducing the conjugate length of the fourthlens group as a so called master lens, that is, a distance between thefront imaging point and the rear imaging point thereof, by satisfyingthe conditional expression (1), thereby it becoming possible to make aspace in which the first to third lens groups are movable for zoominglarger. As a result, it is possible that, upon zooming, an amount ofmovement of the second lens group is increased, and an amount ofvariation in a distance between the second lens group and the third lensgroup is reduced. Therefore, while maintaining the whole length of thevariable magnification optical system according to the first embodimentof the present application, variations in aberrations upon zooming canbe made small.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the firstembodiment of the present application, when the value of fw²/(f13w×f4)is equal to or exceeds the upper limit of the conditional expression(1), refractive power of the fourth lens group becomes small and theamount of variation in the distance between the second lens group andthe third lens group upon zooming increases. As a result, variations invarious aberrations such as curvature of field as well as coma becomeexcessive, and it becomes difficult to correct these aberrations in theintermediate focal length state. It is not desirable.

Meanwhile, in order to attain the advantageous effect of the presentapplication more surely, it is preferable to set the upper limit valueof the conditional expression (1) to −0.25.

On the other hand, in the variable magnification optical systemaccording to the first embodiment of the present application, when thevalue of fw²/(f13w×f4) is equal to or falls below the lower limit of theconditional expression (1), refractive power and magnification of thefourth lens group increase. Thus, spherical aberration and coma increasefrom the wide angle end state to the telephoto end state, and it becomesdifficult to correct them so that it is not desirable.

Meanwhile, in order to attain the advantageous effect of the presentapplication more surely, it is preferable to set the lower limit valueof the conditional expression (1) to −0.60. Further, in order to attainthe advantageous effect of the present application more surely, it ispreferable to set the lower limit value of the conditional expression(1) to −0.45. Further, in order to attain the advantageous effect of thepresent application more surely, it is preferable to set the lower limitvalue of the conditional expression (1) to −0.35.

With configuring as described above, it is possible to realize avariable magnification optical system which can suppress variations invarious aberrations upon zooming and has superb optical performance fromthe wide angle end state to the telephoto end state.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the firstembodiment of the present application, it is preferable that the firstlens group is composed of, in order from the object side, a front grouphaving positive refractive power and a rear group having positiverefractive power, and upon focusing from an infinitely distant object toa close distant object the rear group is moved toward the object side asthe focusing lens group.

With configuring as above, in the variable magnification optical systemaccording to the first embodiment of the present application, it ispossible to decrease an outer diameter of the focusing lens group andreduce its weight. Accordingly, in the case where autofocusing isconducted by the variable magnification optical system according to thefirst embodiment of the present application, it is possible to reduceload of a motor for driving the focusing lens group. Further, whilemaking larger magnification of the variable magnification optical systemaccording to the first embodiment of the present application uponfocusing on a close distant object, it is possible to suppress variationin aberration such as spherical aberration to be small upon focusing onthe close distant object.

Further, in the variable magnification optical system according to thefirst embodiment of the present application, it is preferable that themost image side lens group in the variable magnification optical systemhas positive refractive power and is fixed in the position in thedirection of the optical axis, upon zooming from the wide angle endstate to the telephoto end state.

With such configuration, it is easy for the variable magnificationoptical system according to the first embodiment of the presentapplication, to make an f-number upon zooming constant, so that it ispossible to simplify a stop mechanism of an aperture stop disposed inthe variable magnification optical system. Further, it is possible toreduce eccentricity or the like among the lens groups, so thatdeterioration in optical performance caused by manufacturing error suchas the eccentricity, and concretely, eccentric coma and eccentric imageplane inclination can be reduced.

Further, in the variable magnification optical system according to thefirst embodiment of the present application, it is preferable thatmagnification of the second lens group varies so as to stride across theequi-magnification and the following conditional expression (2) issatisfied:

0.30<β2w×β2t<0.90  (2)

Where β2w denotes magnification of the second lens group in the wideangle end state, and β2t denotes magnification of the second lens groupin the telephoto end state.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the firstembodiment of the present application, upon zooming from the wide anglestate to the tele photo end state as described above, magnification ofthe second lens group changes so as to stride across theequi-magnification, that is to say, the magnification of the second lensgroup becomes −1 once on the way of zooming. By configuring as such,upon zooming, it is possible to make change in height of light raysthrough the second lens group small, so that variations in curvature offield and coma can be made small.

The conditional expression (2) defines a range of magnification of thesecond lens group. With satisfying the conditional expression (2), thevariable magnification optical system according to the first embodimentof the present application can make variation in distance between thesecond lens group and the third lens group upon zooming small, andthereby deteriorations in coma and spherical aberration in theintermediate focal length state can be suppressed to be small.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the firstembodiment of the present application, when the value of β2w×β2t isequal to or exceeds the upper limit value of the conditional expression(2), an amount of variation in the distance between the second lensgroup and the third lens group upon zooming increases, so thatvariations in various aberrations such as curvature of field and comabecome excessive and it becomes difficult to correct these aberrationsin the intermediate focal length state. Further, an amount of movementof the third lens group toward the object side upon zooming increases,and movement space for the second lens group becomes small. For this, itbecomes difficult to correct curvature of field, spherical aberrationand coma in the wide angle end state and in the telephoto end state, sothat it is undesirable. Meanwhile, in order to attain the advantageouseffect of the present application more surely, it is preferable to setthe upper limit value of the conditional expression (2) to 0.80.Further, it is more preferable to set the upper limit value of theconditional expression (2) to 0.70.

On the other hand, in the variable magnification optical systemaccording to the first embodiment of the present application, when thevalue of β2w×β2t is equal to or falls below the lower limit value of theconditional expression (2), the first lens group, the second lens groupand the third lens group become too close to each other in the wideangle end state, so that it becomes difficult to correct coma andcurvature of field. Further, focal length of the fourth lens groupincreases too much, and whole length and diameter of the variablemagnification optical system according to the first embodiment of thepresent application become undesirably large. Meanwhile, in order toattain the advantageous effect of the present application more surely,it is preferable to set the lower limit value of the conditionalexpression (2) to 0.50.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the firstembodiment of the present application, it is preferable that thefollowing conditional expressions (3) and (4) are satisfied:

0.290<N1n−N1p  (3)

0.160<N3n−N3p  (4)

where N1n denotes refractive index of a negative lens having the largestrefractive index in the first lens group, N1p denotes refractive indexof a positive lens having the smallest refractive index in the firstlens group, N3n denotes refractive index of a negative lens having thelargest refractive index in the third lens group, and N3p denotesrefractive index of a positive lens having the smallest refractive indexin the third lens group.

The conditional expression (3) defines a difference in refractive indexof the negative lens having the largest refractive index and refractiveindex of the positive lens having the smallest refractive index in thefirst lens group.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the firstembodiment of the present application, with satisfying the conditionalexpression (3), it becomes possible to make curvature of each lens inthe first lens group small, so that it becomes possible to correct comaexcellently from the wide angle end state to the telephoto end state.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the firstembodiment of the present application, when the value of N1n-N1p isequal to or falls below the lower limit value of the conditionalexpression (3), it becomes difficult to correct coma from the wide angleend state to the telephoto end state. Further, variation in sphericalaberration becomes large upon focusing on an infinitely distant objectto a close distant object, so it is not preferable. Meanwhile, in orderto attain the advantageous effect of the present application moresurely, it is preferable to set the lower limit value of the conditionalexpression (3) to 0.350. Further, in order to attain the advantageouseffect of the present application more surely, it is preferable to setthe lower limit value of the conditional expression (3) to 0.400.

The conditional expression (4) defines a difference in refractive indexof the negative lens having the largest refractive index and refractiveindex of the positive lens having the smallest refractive index in thethird lens group.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the firstembodiment of the present application, with satisfying the conditionalexpression (4), it becomes possible to make curvature of each lens inthe third lens group small, so that coma can be excellently correctedfrom the wide angle end state to the telephoto end state.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the firstembodiment of the present application, when the value of N3n-N3p isequal to or falls below the lower limit value of the conditionalexpression (4), it becomes difficult to correct coma from the wide angleend state to the telephoto end state. Meanwhile, in order to attain theadvantageous effect of the present application more surely, it ispreferable to set the lower limit value of the conditional expression(4) to 0.180.

Further, in the variable magnification optical system according to thefirst embodiment of the present application, it is preferable that thefourth lens group is composed of, in order from the object side, a firstsegment lens group having positive refractive power, a second segmentlens group having negative refractive power, and a third segment lensgroup having positive refractive power, and at least a portion of thesecond segment lens group is moved to have a component in a directionperpendicular to the optical axis, as a vibration reduction lens.

By adopting, as a vibration reduction lens, at least a portion of thelens group having negative refractive power of which height of lightrays is low, it is possible to make diameter of the vibration reductionlens small. Further, if an aperture stop is disposed between the thirdlens group and the fourth lens group with adopting such configuration,the vibration reduction lens can be disposed in the neighborhood of anintermediate point between the aperture stop and the image plane, andaccordingly it is possible to suppress variation in image height uponconducting vibration reduction to be small, and to suppress generationof eccentric coma to be small.

Further, in the variable magnification optical system according to thefirst embodiment of the present application, it is preferable that thesecond lens group comprises, in order from the object side, a negativelens, a first negative segment group having negative refractive power,and a second negative segment group having negative refractive power,and that the first negative segment group and the second negativesegment group are respectively composed of a positive lens and anegative lens, that is, two lenses in total.

By adopting such configuration, angle of deviation of light rays at eachlens surface in the second lens group in which variation in height oflight rays is large upon zooming can be made small, so that variationsin curvature of field and spherical aberration upon zooming andgeneration of coma can be suppressed to be small. Further, whole lengthof the variable magnification optical system according to the firstembodiment of the present application can be reduced. Further,deterioration in optical performance due to manufacturing error such aseccentricity between lenses in the second lens group can be reduced,more concretely, eccentric coma and eccentric image plane inclinationcan be reduced.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the firstembodiment of the present application, it is preferable that the frontgroup of the first lens group is composed of a single lens havingpositive refractive power, and the rear group of the first lens group iscomposed of, in order from the object side, a negative lens, a positivelens and a positive lens.

By adopting such configuration, while the rear group that is thefocusing lens group is made small in size and light in weight,variations in spherical aberration and curvature of field upon focusingcan be suppressed to be small.

The optical apparatus of the present application is characterized in theprovision of the variable magnification optical system according to thefirst embodiment having the above described configuration. By suchconfiguration, it is possible to realize the optical apparatus which cansuppress variations in aberrations upon zooming and has excellentoptical performance from the wide angle end state to the telephoto endstate.

The method for manufacturing the variable magnification optical systemaccording to the first embodiment of the present application is a methodfor manufacturing a variable magnification optical system comprising, inorder from an object side: a first lens group having positive refractivepower; a second lens group having negative refractive power; a thirdlens group having positive refractive power; and a fourth lens grouphaving positive refractive power;

the method comprising the steps of:

constructing the first lens group to the fourth lens group to satisfythe following conditional expression:

−1.20<fw ²/(f13w×f4)<−0.20

where f13w denotes a composite focal length of the first lens group tothe third lens group in the wide angle end state, f4 denotes a focallength of the fourth lens group, and fw denotes a focal length of thevariable magnification optical system in the wide angle end state; and

constructing such that, upon zooming from a wide-angle end state to atelephoto end state, the first lens group is fixed in a position in thedirection of the optical axis, and at least the second lens group andthe third lens group are moved in a direction of the optical axis suchthat a distance between the first lens group and the second lens groupis increased and a distance between the second lens group and the thirdlens group is decreased; and

constructing at least a portion of the first to the fourth lens groups,as a vibration reduction lens group, to be moved to have a component ina direction perpendicular to the optical axis. Thus, it is possible tomanufacture a variable magnification optical system which can suppressvariations in aberrations upon zooming and has superb opticalperformance from the telephoto end state to the telephoto end state.

Next, the variable magnification optical system, the optical apparatusand the method for manufacturing the variable magnification opticalsystem according to the second embodiment of the present application isexplained below.

The variable magnification optical system according to the secondembodiment of the present application comprises, in order from an objectside: a first lens group having positive refractive power; a second lensgroup having negative refractive power; a third lens group havingpositive refractive power; and a fourth lens group having positiverefractive power;

upon zooming from a wide-angle end state to a telephoto end state, thefirst lens group being fixed in a position in the direction of theoptical axis, at least the second lens group and the third lens groupbeing moved in the direction of the optical axis such that a distancebetween the first lens group and the second lens group is increased anda distance between the second lens group and the third lens group isdecreased;

the fourth lens group comprising, in order from the object side, a firstsegment lens group having positive refractive power, a second segmentlens group having negative refractive power and a third segment lensgroup having positive refractive power,

at least a portion of the second segment lens group being moved, as avibration reduction lens group, to have a component in a directionperpendicular to the optical axis; and

the following conditional expressions (5) and (6) being satisfied:

−1.60<f4B/f4C<−0.50  (5)

−1.60<f4/f4B<−0.60  (6)

where f4 denotes a focal length of the fourth lens group, f4B denotes afocal length of the second segment lens group, and f4C denotes a focallength of the third segment lens group.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the secondembodiment of the present application, at least a portion of the secondsegment lens group in the fourth lens group is moved, as a vibrationreduction lens group, to have a component in a direction perpendicularto the optical axis, so that an image position upon camera shake beingcaused can be corrected, in other words, vibration reduction can beconducted.

Further, by adopting at least a portion of lens group in which height oflight rays is low and which has negative refractive power as a vibrationreduction lens group, outer diameter of the vibration reduction lensgroup can be made small. With such configuration, if an aperture stop isdisposed in the third lens group and the fourth lens group, thevibration reduction lens group can be disposed in the neighborhood ofthe intermediate position between the aperture stop and the image plane.Accordingly, variation in height of light rays upon vibration reductionbeing conducted can be suppressed to be small, and generation ofeccentric coma can be suppressed to be small.

The conditional expression (5) defines a ratio of refractive powerbetween the second segment lens group and the third segment lens groupin the fourth lens group. The conditional expression (6) defines a ratioof refractive power between the whole fourth lens group and the secondsegment lens group in the fourth lens group. With satisfying theconditional expressions (5) and (6), while the vibration reduction lensgroup being made small in size and in weight, it is possible to suppressvariations in various aberrations upon conducting vibration reduction tobe small.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the secondembodiment of the present application, when the value of f4B/f4C isequal to or exceeds the upper limit value of the conditional expression(5), refractive power of the second segment lens group becomesexcessively large, and curvature of field and coma become large.Further, variations in aberrations upon vibration reduction beingconducted, in more concretely, so called eccentric image planeinclination become large, so it is not desirable.

Meanwhile, in order to attain the advantageous effect of the presentapplication more surely, it is preferable to set the upper limit valueof the conditional expression (5) to −0.70. Further, it is morepreferable to set the upper limit value of the conditional expression(5) to −1.10.

On the other hand, in the variable magnification optical systemaccording to the second embodiment of the present application, when thevalue of f4B/f4C is equal to or falls below the lower limit value of theconditional expression (5), refractive power of the second segment lensgroup becomes too small, and vibration reduction coefficient (ratio ofmovement amount of image on the image plane relative to movement amountof the vibration reduction lens upon vibration reduction beingconducted) becomes small. Therefore, movement amount of the vibrationreduction lens group upon vibration reduction being conducted forattaining a desired effect of vibration reduction becomes excessivelylarge, so that it is not desirable. Further, variations in aberrationsupon vibration reduction being conducted, in more concretely, so calledeccentric image plane inclination become large, so it is not desirable.Meanwhile, in order to attain the advantageous effect of the presentapplication more surely, it is preferable to set the lower limit valueof the conditional expression (5) to −1.30.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the secondembodiment of the present application, when the value of f4/f4B is equalto or exceeds the upper limit of the conditional expression (6),respective refractive powers of the first to the third segment lensgroups become too small, and outer diameter of the second segment lensgroup becomes too large. It is not desirable.

Meanwhile, in order to attain the advantageous effect of the presentapplication more surely, it is preferable to set the upper limit valueof the conditional expression (6) to −1.00. Further, it is morepreferable to set the upper limit value of the conditional expression(6) to −1.20.

On the other hand, in the variable magnification optical systemaccording to the second embodiment of the present application, when thevalue of f4/f4B is equal to or falls below the lower limit value of theconditional expression (6), respective refractive powers of the first tothe third segment lens groups become too large, and variations inaberrations upon vibration reduction being conducted, in moreconcretely, eccentric image plane inclination become large, so it is notdesirable. Further, deterioration in optical performance due tomanufacturing error such as eccentricity between the lens groups, andparticularly, eccentric coma and eccentric image plane inclinationbecome excessively large, so that it is not desirable.

Meanwhile, in order to attain the advantageous effect of the presentapplication more surely, it is preferable to set the lower limit valueof the conditional expression (6) to −1.50. Further, in order to attainthe advantageous effect of the present application more surely, it ispreferable to set the lower limit value of the conditional expression(6) to −1.40

With configuration as described above, it is possible to realize thevariable magnification optical system which can suppress deteriorationin optical performance upon vibration reduction being conducted andwhich has excellent optical performance from the wide angle end state tothe telephoto end state.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the secondembodiment of the present application, it is desirable that the mostimage side lens group in the variable magnification optical system haspositive refractive power and is fixed in a position in the direction ofthe optical axis upon zooming from the wide angle end state to thetelephoto end state.

With such configuration, in the variable magnification optical systemaccording to the second embodiment of the present application, it iseasy to make an f-number upon zooming constant, and it becomes possibleto simplify a stop mechanism of an aperture stop disposed in thevariable magnification optical system. Further, deterioration in opticalperformance due to manufacturing error such as eccentricity between thelens groups, and particularly, eccentric coma and eccentric image planeinclination is reduced.

Further, in the variable magnification optical system according to thesecond embodiment of the present application, it is desirable that, uponzooming from the wide angle state to the telephoto end state,magnification of the second lens group varies so as to stride across theequi-magnification and the following conditional expression (2) issatisfied:

0.30<β2w×β2t<0.90  (2)

where β2w denotes magnification of the second lens group in the wideangle end state, and β2t denotes magnification of the second lens groupin the telephoto end state.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the secondembodiment of the present application, upon zooming from the wide anglestate to the telephoto end state as described above, magnification ofthe second lens group changes so as to stride across theequi-magnification, that is to say, the magnification of the second lensgroup becomes −1 once on the way of zooming. By configuring as such,upon zooming, it is possible to make change in height of light raysthrough the second lens group small, so that variations in curvature offield and coma is made small.

The conditional expression (2) defines a range of magnification of thesecond lens group. With satisfying the conditional expression (2), thevariable magnification optical system according to the second embodimentof the present application can make variation in distance between thesecond lens group and the third lens group upon zooming small, andthereby deteriorations in coma and spherical aberration in theintermediate focal length state is suppressed to be small.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the secondembodiment of the present application, when the value of β2w×β2t isequal to or exceeds the upper limit value of the conditional expression(2), an amount of variation in the distance between the second lensgroup and the third lens group upon zooming increases, so thatvariations in various aberrations such as curvature of field and comabecome excessively large and it becomes difficult to correct theseaberrations in the intermediate focal length state. Further, an amountof movement of the third lens group toward the object side upon zoomingincreases, and movement space for the second lens group becomes small.For this, it becomes difficult to correct curvature of field, sphericalaberration and coma in the wide angle end state and in the telephoto endstate, so that it is undesirable.

Meanwhile, in order to attain the advantageous effect of the presentapplication more surely, it is preferable to set the upper limit valueof the conditional expression (2) to 0.80. Further, it is morepreferable to set the upper limit value of the conditional expression(2) to 0.70.

On the other hand, in the variable magnification optical systemaccording to the second embodiment of the present application, when thevalue of β2w×β2t is equal to or falls below the lower limit value of theconditional expression (2), the first lens group, the second lens groupand the third lens group become too close to each other in the wideangle end state, so that it becomes difficult to correct coma andcurvature of field. Further, focal length of the fourth lens groupincreases too much, and whole length and outer diameter of the variablemagnification optical system according to the second embodiment of thepresent application become large. It is undesirable.

Meanwhile, in order to attain the advantageous effect of the presentapplication more surely, it is preferable to set the lower limit valueof the conditional expression (2) to 0.50.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the secondembodiment of the present application, it is preferable that thefollowing conditional expressions (3) and (4) are satisfied:

0.290<N1n−N1p  (3)

0.160<N3n−N3p  (4)

where N1n denotes refractive index of a negative lens having the largestrefractive index in the first lens group, N1p denotes refractive indexof a positive lens having the smallest refractive index in the firstlens group, N3n denotes refractive index of a negative lens having thelargest refractive index in the third lens group, and N3p denotesrefractive index of a positive lens having the smallest refractive indexin the third lens group.

The conditional expression (3) defines a difference in refractive indexof the negative lens having the largest refractive index and refractiveindex of the positive lens having the smallest refractive index in thefirst lens group.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the secondembodiment of the present application, with satisfying the conditionalexpression (3), it becomes possible to make curvature of each lens inthe first lens group small, so that it is possible to correct comaexcellently from the wide angle end state to the telephoto end state.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the secondembodiment of the present application, when the value of N1n−N1p isequal to or falls below the lower limit value of the conditionalexpression (3), it becomes difficult to correct coma from the wide angleend state to the telephoto end state. Further, variation in sphericalaberration becomes large upon focusing on an infinitely distant objectto a close distant object, so it is not preferable.

Meanwhile, in order to attain the advantageous effect of the presentapplication more surely, it is preferable to set the lower limit valueof the conditional expression (3) to 0.350. Further, in order to attainthe advantageous effect of the present application more surely, it ispreferable to set the lower limit value of the conditional expression(3) to 0.400.

The conditional expression (4) defines a difference in refractive indexof the negative lens having the largest refractive index and refractiveindex of the positive lens having the smallest refractive index in thethird lens group.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the secondembodiment of the present application, with satisfying conditionalexpression (4), it becomes possible to make curvature of each lens inthe third lens group small, so that it is possible to correct comaexcellently from the wide angle end state to the telephoto end state.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the secondembodiment of the present application, when the value of N3n−N3p isequal to or falls below the lower limit of the conditional expression(4) of the variable magnification optical system according to the secondembodiment of the present application, it becomes difficult to correctcoma from the wide angle end state to the telephoto end state.

Meanwhile, in order to attain the advantageous effect of the presentapplication more surely, it is preferable to set the lower limit valueof the conditional expression (4) to 0.180.

Further, in the variable magnification optical system according to thesecond embodiment of the present application, it is preferable that thesecond lens group comprises, in order from the object side, a negativelens, a first negative segment group having negative refractive powerand a second negative segment group having negative refractive power,and the first negative segment group and the second negative segmentgroup are respectively composed of a positive lens and a negative lens,that is, two lenses in total.

By adopting such configuration, angle of deviation of light rays at eachlens surface in the second lens group in which variation in height oflight rays is large upon zooming can be made small, so that it ispossible to suppress variations in curvature of field and sphericalaberration upon zooming and generation of coma to be small. Also, it ispossible to make refractive index of the entire second lens group large,whole length of the variable magnification optical system according tothe second embodiment of the present application can be reduced.Further, deterioration of optical performance due to manufacturingerrors such as eccentricity between lenses in the second lens group canbe reduced, more concretely, eccentric coma and eccentric image planeinclination can be reduced.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the secondembodiment of the present application, it is preferable that the firstlens group is composed of, in order from the object side, a front grouphaving positive refractive power and a rear group having positiverefractive power, and that upon focusing from an infinitely distantobject to a close distant object the rear group is moved toward theobject side as the focusing lens group.

By configuring as above, the variable magnification optical systemaccording to the second embodiment of the present application, candecrease outer diameter of the focusing lens group and reduce itsweight. Accordingly, in the case where autofocussing is conducted by thevariable magnification optical system according to the second embodimentof the present application, it is possible to reduce load of a motor fordriving the focusing lens. Also, while making magnification of thevariable magnification optical system according to the second embodimentof the present application large upon focusing on a close distantobject, it is possible to suppress variation in aberration such asspherical aberration to be small upon focusing on the close distantobject.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the secondembodiment of the present application, it is preferable that the frontgroup of the first lens group is composed of a single lens havingpositive refractive power, and the rear group of the first lens group iscomposed of, in order from the object side, a negative lens, a positivelens and a positive lens.

By adopting such configuration, while the rear group that is thefocusing lens group is made small in size and light in weight, it ispossible to suppress variations in spherical aberration and curvature offield upon focusing to be small.

The optical apparatus of the present application is characterized in theprovision of the variable magnification optical system according to thesecond embodiment as described above. By such configuration, it ispossible to realize the optical apparatus which can suppressdeterioration in optical performances upon conducting vibrationreduction and which has excellent optical performance from the wideangle end state to the telephoto end state.

The method for manufacturing the variable magnification optical systemaccording to the second embodiment of the present application is amethod for manufacturing a variable magnification optical systemcomprising, in order from an object side: a first lens group havingpositive refractive power; a second lens group having negativerefractive power; a third lens group having positive refractive power;and a fourth lens group having positive refractive power;

the method comprising the steps of:

constructing the fourth lens group to comprise, in order from the objectside, a first segment lens group having positive refractive power, asecond segment lens group having negative refractive power and a thirdsegment lens group having positive refractive power;

constructing the fourth lens group to satisfy the following conditionalexpressions (5) and (6):

−1.60<f4B/f4C<−0.50  (5)

−1.60<f4/f4B<−0.60  (6)

where f4 denotes a focal length of the fourth lens group, f4B denotes afocal length of the second segment lens group, and f4C denotes a focallength of the third segment lens group;

constructing at least the second lens group and the third lens group tobe movable in the direction of the optical axis such that, upon zoomingfrom a wide-angle end state to a telephoto end state, the first lensgroup is fixed in a position in the direction of the optical axis, adistance between the first lens group and the second lens group isincreased and a distance between the second lens group and the thirdlens group is decreased; and

constructing at least a portion of the second segment lens group to bemoved, as a vibration reduction lens group, to have a component in adirection perpendicular to the optical axis.

Hereinafter, the variable magnification optical system, the opticalapparatus and the method for manufacturing the variable magnificationoptical system according to the third embodiment of the presentapplication is explained.

A variable magnification optical system according to the thirdembodiment of the present application comprises, in order from an objectside: a first lens group having positive refractive power; a second lensgroup having negative refractive power; a third lens group havingpositive refractive power; and a fourth lens group having positiverefractive power;

an antireflection coating being formed on at least one of opticalsurfaces in the first lens group and the fourth lens group;

the antireflection coating including at least one layer formed by a wetprocess,

upon zooming from a wide-angle end state to a telephoto end state, thefirst lens group being fixed in a position in the direction of theoptical axis, at least the second lens group and the third lens groupbeing moved in the direction of the optical axis such that a distancebetween the first lens group and the second lens group is increased anda distance between the second lens group and the third lens group isdecreased;

at least a portion of the first to the fourth lens groups being moved,as a vibration reduction lens group, to have a component in a directionperpendicular to the optical axis; and

the following conditional expression (1) being satisfied:

−1.20<fw ²/(f13w×f4)<−0.20  (1)

where f13w denotes a composite focal length of the first lens group tothe third lens group in the wide angle end state, f4 denotes a focallength of the fourth lens group, and fw denotes a focal length of thevariable magnification optical system in the wide angle end state.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the thirdembodiment of the present application, at least a portion of the firstto the fourth lens groups is moved, as a vibration reduction lens group,to have a component in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, asdescribed above, so that it is possible to correct an image positionupon camera shake being caused, in other words, it is possible to carryout vibration reduction.

The conditional expression (1) defines a conjugate length and amagnification of the fourth lens group.

The variable magnification optical system according to the thirdembodiment of the present application can reduce the conjugate length ofthe fourth lens group as a so called master lens, that is, a distancebetween the front and rear imaging points thereof, by satisfying theconditional expression (1), thereby a space in which the first to thirdlens groups are movable are increased by the reduced conjugate length.As a result, upon zooming, an amount of movement of the second lensgroup can be increased, and variation in a distance between the secondlens group and the third lens group can be reduced. Therefore, whilemaintaining the whole length of the variable magnification opticalsystem according to the third embodiment of the present application,variations in aberrations upon zooming can be made small.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the thirdembodiment of the present application, when the value of fw²/(f13w×f4)is equal to or exceeds the upper limit value of the conditionalexpression (1) of the variable magnification optical system according tothe third embodiment of the present application, refractive power of thefourth lens group becomes small and variation in a distance between thesecond lens group and the third lens group upon zooming increases. As aresult, variations in various aberrations such as curvature of field aswell as coma become excessively large, and it becomes difficult tocorrect these aberrations in the intermediate focal length state. It isnot desirable.

Meanwhile, in order to attain the advantageous effect of the presentapplication more surely, it is preferable to set the upper limit valueof the conditional expression (1) to −0.25.

On the other hand, in the variable magnification optical systemaccording to the third embodiment of the present application, when thevalue of fw²/(f13w×f4) is equal to or falls below the lower limit valueof the conditional expression (1) of the variable magnification opticalsystem according to the third embodiment of the present application,refractive power and magnification of the fourth lens group increase.Thus, spherical aberration and coma increase from the wide angle endstate to the telephoto end state, and it becomes difficult to correctthem so that it is not desirable.

Meanwhile, in order to attain the advantageous effect of the presentapplication more surely, it is preferable to set the lower limit valueof the conditional expression (1) to −0.60. Further, in order to attainthe advantageous effect of the present application more surely, it ispreferable to set the lower limit value of the conditional expression(1) to −0.45. Further, in order to attain the advantageous effect of thepresent application more surely, it is preferable to set the lower limitvalue of the conditional expression (1) to −0.35.

By configuring as described above, it is possible to realize a variablemagnification optical system which can suppress variations in variousaberrations upon zooming and has superb optical performance from thewide angle end state to the telephoto end state.

The variable magnification optical system according to the thirdembodiment of the present application is characterized in that anantireflection coating is formed on at least one of optical surfaces inthe first lens group and the fourth lens group, and the antireflectioncoating includes at least one layer formed by a wet process.

With such configuration, the variable magnification optical systemaccording to the third embodiment of the present application can reduceghost as well as flare caused by light rays from the object beingreflected by optical surfaces, and attain high image formingperformance.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the thirdembodiment of the present application, it is preferable that theantireflection coating is a multi-layered film, and the layer formed bythe wet process is a most outer surface side layer among layers of whichthe multi-layered film is composed. With this configuration, adifference in refractive index between the layer formed by the wetprocess and air can be made small, so that it is possible to reducereflection of light and thereby a ghost as well as flare may be furtherdecreased.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the thirdembodiment of the present application, it is preferable that, assumingthat a refractive index with respect to d-line (wavelength λ=587.6 nm)of the layer formed by the wet process is nd, nd is 1.30 or less.

With such configuration, the difference in refractive index between thelayer formed by the wet process and air can be made small, so that itbecomes possible to reduce reflection of light more and decrease furtherghost as well as flare.

Further, in the variable magnification optical system according to thethird embodiment of the present application, it is desirable that anaperture stop is provided and the optical surface provided with theantireflection coating is a concave lens surface viewed from theaperture stop. The concave lens surface viewed from the aperture stopamong optical surfaces in the first lens group and the fourth lens groupis apt to generate reflection light more. For this reason, it ispossible to decrease effectively ghost as well as flare by formingantireflection coating on such a lens surface.

Further, in the variable magnification optical system according to thethird embodiment of the present application, it is desirable that theconcave lens surface viewed from the aperture stop, is an object sidelens surface of a lens in the first lens group. The concave lens surfaceviewed from the aperture stop among optical surfaces in the first lensgroup is apt to generate reflection light. For this reason,antireflection coating is formed on such a lens surface so as todecrease effectively ghost as well as flare.

Further, in the variable magnification optical system according to thethird embodiment of the present application, it is desirable that theconcave lens surface viewed from the aperture stop, is an image sidelens surface of a lens in the first lens group. The concave lens surfaceviewed from the aperture stop among optical surfaces in the first lensgroup is apt to generate reflection light. For this reason,antireflection coating is formed on such a lens surface so as todecrease effectively ghost as well as flare.

Further, in the variable magnification optical system according to thethird embodiment of the present application, it is desirable that theconcave lens surface viewed from the aperture stop, is an image sidelens surface of a lens in the fourth lens group. The concave lenssurface viewed from the aperture stop among optical surfaces in thefourth lens group is apt to generate reflection light. For this reason,antireflection coating is formed on such a lens surface so as todecrease effectively ghost as well as flare.

Further, in the variable magnification optical system according to thethird embodiment of the present application, it is desirable that theoptical surface formed with the antireflection coating is a concave lenssurface viewed from the image side. The concave lens surface viewed fromthe image side among optical surfaces in the first lens group and thefourth lens group is apt to generate reflection light. For this reason,antireflection coating is formed on such a lens surface so as todecrease effectively ghost as well as flare.

Further, in the variable magnification optical system according to thethird embodiment of the present application, it is desirable that theconcave lens surface viewed from the image side is an object side lenssurface of a second lens from the object side in the fourth lens group.By the concave lens surface viewed from the image side among opticalsurfaces in the fourth lens group reflection light is apt to begenerated. For this reason, antireflection coating is formed on such alens surface so as to decrease effectively ghost as well as flare.

Further, in the variable magnification optical system according to thethird embodiment of the present application, it is desirable that theconcave lens surface viewed from the image side is an image side lenssurface of a fourth lens from the image side in the fourth lens group.By the concave lens surface viewed from the image side among opticalsurfaces in the fourth lens group, reflection light is apt to begenerated. For this reason, antireflection coating is formed on such alens surface so as to decrease effectively ghost as well as flare.

Further, in the variable magnification optical system according to thethird embodiment of the present application, it is desirable that theconcave lens surface viewed from the image side is an object side lenssurface of a third lens from the image side in the fourth lens group. Bythe concave lens surface viewed from the image side among opticalsurfaces in the fourth lens group, reflection light is apt to begenerated. For this reason, antireflection coating is formed on such alens surface so as to decrease effectively ghost as well as flare.

The antireflection coating in the variable magnification optical systemaccording to the third embodiment of the present application, may beformed not only by the wet process, but also by a dry process. In thiscase, it is preferable that the antireflection coating includes at leastone layer whose refractive index is 1.30 or less.

With such configuration, even if the antireflection coating is formed bythe dry process, a similar effect to a case where the antireflectioncoating is formed by the wet process, can be attained.

Meanwhile, it is preferable that the layer whose refractive index is1.30 or less is a most outer surface side layer in the multi-layers.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the thirdembodiment of the present application, it is preferable that the firstlens group is composed of, in order from the object side, a front grouphaving positive refractive power and a rear group having positiverefractive power, and upon focusing from an infinitely distant object toa close distant object the rear group is moved toward the object side asthe focusing lens group.

By configuring as above, the variable magnification optical systemaccording to the third embodiment of the present application, candecrease outer diameter of the focusing lens group and reduce itsweight. Accordingly, in the case where autofocussing is conducted by thevariable magnification optical system according to the third embodimentof the present application, it is possible to reduce load of a motor fordriving the focusing lens. Further, while making magnification of thevariable magnification optical system according to the third embodimentof the present application large upon focusing on a close distantobject, it is possible to suppress variation in aberration such asspherical aberration to be small upon focusing on the close distantobject.

Further, in the variable magnification optical system according to thethird embodiment of the present application, it is preferable that themost image side lens group in the variable magnification optical systemhas positive refractive power and is fixed in a position in thedirection of the optical axis, upon zooming from the wide angle endstate to the telephoto end state.

By such configuration, the variable magnification optical systemaccording to the third embodiment of the present application, can easilymake an f-number upon zooming constant, so that a stop mechanism of anaperture stop disposed in the variable magnification optical system canbe simplified. Further, it is possible to decrease eccentricity or thelike among the lens groups, so that deterioration in optical performancecaused by manufacturing errors such as the eccentricity, and concretely,it is possible to decrease eccentric coma and eccentric image planeinclination.

Further, in the variable magnification optical system according to thethird embodiment of the present application, it is preferable that, uponzooming from the wide angle end state to the photo end state,magnification of the second lens group varies so as to stride across theequi-magnification and the following conditional expression (2) issatisfied:

0.30<β2w×β2t<0.90  (2)

where β2w denotes magnification of the second lens group in the wideangle end state, and β2t denotes magnification of the second lens groupin the telephoto end state.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the thirdembodiment of the present application, upon zooming from the wide angleend state to the telephoto end state as described above, magnificationof the second lens group changes so as to stride across theequi-magnification, that is to say, the magnification of the second lensgroup becomes −1 once on the way of zooming. By configuring as such,upon zooming, it is possible to reduce change in height of light raysthrough the second lens group, so that it is possible to make variationsin curvature of field and coma to be small.

The conditional expression (2) defines a range of magnification of thesecond lens group. By satisfying the conditional expression (2), thevariable magnification optical system according to the third embodimentof the present application can make variation in distance between thesecond lens group and the third lens group upon zooming small, andthereby deteriorations in coma and spherical aberration in theintermediate focal length state can be made small.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the thirdembodiment of the present application, when the value of β2w×β2t isequal to or exceeds the upper limit value of the conditional expression(2), amount of variation in the distance between the second lens groupand the third lens group upon zooming increases, so that variations invarious aberrations such as curvature of field and coma becomeexcessively large and it becomes difficult to correct these aberrationsin the intermediate focal length state. Also, amount of movement of thethird lens group toward the object side upon zooming increases, andmovement space for the second lens group becomes small. For this, itbecomes difficult to correct curvature of field, spherical aberrationand coma in the wide angle end state and the telephoto end state, sothat it is undesirable.

Meanwhile, in order to attain the advantageous effect of the presentapplication more surely, it is preferable to set the upper limit valueof the conditional expression (2) to 0.80. Further, it is morepreferable to set the upper limit value of the conditional expression(2) to 0.70.

On the other hand, in the variable magnification optical systemaccording to the third embodiment of the present application, when thevalue of β2w×β2t is equal to or falls below the lower limit of theconditional expression (2) of the variable magnification optical systemaccording to the third embodiment of the present application, the firstlens group, the second lens group and the third lens group become tooclose to each other in the wide angle end state, so that it becomesdifficult to correct coma and curvature of field. Also, focal length ofthe fourth lens group increases too much, and whole length and outerdiameter of the variable magnification optical system according to thethird embodiment of the present application become undesirably large.

Meanwhile, in order to attain the advantageous effect of the presentapplication more surely, it is preferable to set the lower limit valueof the conditional expression (2) to 0.50.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the thirdembodiment of the present application, it is preferable that thefollowing conditional expressions (3) and (4) are satisfied:

0.290<N1n−N1p  (3)

0.160<N3n−N3p  (4)

where N1n denotes refractive index of a negative lens having the largestrefractive index in the first lens group, N1p denotes refractive indexof a positive lens having the smallest refractive index in the firstlens group, N3n denotes refractive index of a negative lens having thelargest refractive index in the third lens group, and N3p denotesrefractive index of a positive lens having the smallest refractive indexin the third lens group.

The conditional expression (3) defines difference in refractive index ofthe negative lens having the largest refractive index and refractiveindex of the positive lens having the smallest refractive index in thefirst lens group.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the thirdembodiment of the present application, with satisfying the conditionalexpression (3), it becomes possible to make curvature of each lens inthe first lens group small, so that coma can be excellently correctedfrom the wide angle end state to the telephoto end state.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the thirdembodiment of the present application, when the value of N1n−N1p isequal to or falls below the lower limit value of the conditionalexpression (3) of the variable magnification optical system according tothe third embodiment of the present application, it becomes difficult tocorrect coma from the wide angle end state to the telephoto end state.Further, variation in spherical aberration becomes large upon focusingon an infinitely distant object to a close distant object, so it is notpreferable.

Meanwhile, in order to attain the advantageous effect of the presentapplication more surely, it is preferable to set the lower limit valueof the conditional expression (3) to 0.350. Further, in order to attainthe advantageous effect of the present application more surely, it ispreferable to set the lower limit value of the conditional expression(3) to 0.400.

The conditional expression (4) defines difference in refractive index ofthe negative lens having the largest refractive index and refractiveindex of the positive lens having the smallest refractive index in thethird lens group.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the thirdembodiment of the present application, with satisfying the conditionalexpression (4), it becomes possible to make curvature of each lens inthe third lens group small, so that coma can be excellently correctedfrom the wide angle end state to the telephoto end state.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the thirdembodiment of the present application, when the value of N3n−N3p isequal to or falls below the lower limit value of the conditionalexpression (4) of the variable magnification optical system according tothe third embodiment of the present application, it becomes difficult tocorrect coma from the wide angle end state to the telephoto end state.

Meanwhile, in order to attain the advantageous effect of the presentapplication more surely, it is preferable to set the lower limit valueof the conditional expression (4) to 0.180.

Further, in the variable magnification optical system according to thethird embodiment of the present application, it is preferable that thefourth lens group is composed of, in order from the object side, a firstsegment lens group having positive refractive power, a second segmentlens group having negative refractive power, and a third segment lensgroup having positive refractive power, and at least a portion of thesecond segment lens group is moved to have a component in a directionperpendicular to the optical axis, as a vibration reduction lens.

By adopting at least a portion of the lens group having negativerefractive power through which height of light rays is low as avibration reduction lens, outer diameter of the vibration reduction lenscan be made small. Further, if an aperture stop is disposed between thethird lens group and the fourth lens group with adopting suchconfiguration, the vibration reduction lens can be disposed in theneighborhood of a mid point between the aperture stop and the imageplane, and accordingly variation in image height upon conductingvibration reduction can be suppressed to be small, and generation ofeccentric coma can be suppressed to be small.

Further, in the variable magnification optical system according to thethird embodiment of the present application, it is preferable that thesecond lens group comprises, in order from the object side, a negativelens, a first negative segment group having negative refractive power,and a second negative segment group having negative refractive power,and the first negative segment group and the second negative segmentgroup are respectively composed of a positive lens and a negative lens,that is, two lenses in total.

By adopting such a configuration, angle of deviation of light rays oneach lens surface in the second lens group in which variation in heightof light rays is large upon zooming can be made small, so that it ispossible to suppress curvature of field, spherical aberration andvariation in coma, upon zooming to be small. Also, it is possible tomake refractive power of the entire second lens group to be large, sowhole length of the variable magnification optical system according tothe third embodiment of the present application can be reduced. Further,deterioration in optical performance due to manufacturing error such aseccentricity between lenses in the second lens group may be reduced,more concretely, eccentric coma and eccentric image plane inclinationcan be reduced.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the thirdembodiment of the present application, it is preferable that the frontgroup of the first lens group is composed of a single lens havingpositive refractive power, and the rear group of the first lens group iscomposed of, in order from the object, a negative lens, a positive lensand a positive lens.

By adopting such a configuration, while the rear group that is thefocusing lens group is made to be small in outer diameter and light inweight, variations in spherical aberration and curvature of field uponfocusing can be suppressed to be small.

The optical apparatus of the present application is characterized in theprovision of the variable magnification optical system according to thethird embodiment as described above. By such a configuration, it ispossible to realize the optical apparatus which can suppress variationsin aberrations upon zooming and has excellent optical performance fromthe wide angle end state to the telephoto end state.

The method for manufacturing the variable magnification optical systemaccording to the third embodiment of the present application is a methodfor manufacturing a variable magnification optical system comprising, inorder from an object side: a first lens group having positive refractivepower; a second lens group having negative refractive power; a thirdlens group having positive refractive power; and a fourth lens grouphaving positive refractive power;

the method comprising the steps of:

forming an antireflection coating on an at least one of optical surfacesin the first lens group and the fourth lens group such that theantireflection coating includes at least one layer formed by a wetprocess;

constructing the first lens group to the fourth lens group so as tosatisfy the following conditional expression:

−1.20<fw ²/(f13w×f4)<−0.20  (1)

where f13w denotes a composite focal length of the first lens group tothe third lens group in the wide angle end state, f4 denotes a focallength of the fourth lens group, and fw denotes a focal length of thevariable magnification optical system in the wide angle end state;

constructing at least the second lens group and the third lens group tobe movable in a direction of the optical axis such that, upon zoomingfrom a wide-angle end state to a telephoto end state, the first lensgroup is fixed in a position in the direction of the optical axis, adistance between the first lens group and the second lens group isincreased and a distance between the second lens group and the thirdlens group is decreased; and

constructing at least a portion of the first group to the fourth lensgroup, as a vibration reduction lens group, to be moved to have acomponent in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

Thus, according to the present method, it is possible to manufacture thevariable magnification optical system which can suppress variations inaberrations upon zooming, thereby reducing ghost as well as flare, andattain excellent optical performance from the wide angle end state tothe telephoto end state.

Hereinafter, a variable magnification optical system relating tonumerical examples according to the first to the third embodiments ofthe present application will be explained with reference to theaccompanying drawings. Meanwhile, the First to the Third Examples arecommon to all of the first to the third embodiments.

First Example

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a configuration of a variablemagnification optical system according to the First Example that iscommon to the first to third embodiments of the present application.

The variable magnification optical system according to the presentExample is composed of, in order from an object side: a first lens groupG1 having positive refractive power; a second lens group G2 havingnegative refractive power; a third lens group G3 having positiverefractive power; and a fourth lens group G4 having positive refractivepower.

The first lens group G1 consists of, in order from the object side, afront group G1A having positive refractive power and a rear group G1Bhaving positive refractive power.

The front group G1A consists of a positive meniscus lens L11 having aconvex surface facing the object side.

The rear group G1B consists of, in order from the object side, acemented lens constructed by a negative meniscus lens L12 having aconvex surface facing the object side cemented with a double convexpositive lens L13, and a positive meniscus lens L14 having a convexsurface facing the object side.

The second lens group G2 consists of, in order from the object side, adouble concave negative lens L21, a first negative segment group G2Ahaving negative refractive power and a second negative segment group G2Bhaving negative refractive power.

The first negative segment group G2A consists of, in order from theobject side, a cemented lens constructed by a double concaved negativelens L22 cemented with a positive meniscus lens L23 having a convexsurface facing the object side.

The second negative segment group G2B consists of, in order from theobject side, a cemented lens constructed by a double concaved negativelens L24 cemented with a plano-convex positive lens L25 having a convexsurface facing the object side.

The third lens group G3 consists of, in order from the object side, acemented lens constructed by a double convex positive lens L31 cementedwith a negative meniscus lens L32 having a concave surface facing theobject side.

The fourth lens group G4 consists of, in order from the object side, afirst segment lens group G4A having positive refractive power, a secondsegment lens group G4B having negative refractive power, and a thirdsegment lens group G4C having positive refractive power.

The first segment lens group G4A consists of, in order from the objectside, a plano-convex positive lens L41 having a convex surface facingthe object side, and a cemented lens constructed by a double convexpositive lens L42 cemented with a double concave negative lens L43.

The second segment lens group G4B consists of, in order from the objectside, a cemented lens constructed by a double convex positive lens L44cemented with a double concave negative lens L45, and a double concavenegative lens L46.

The third segment lens group G4C consists of, in order from the objectside, a double convex positive lens L47, a double convex positive lensL48 and a negative meniscus lens L49 having a concave surface facing theobject side.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the presentExample, an aperture stop S is disposed between the third lens group G3and the fourth lens group G4. A flare stopper FS is disposed between thefirst segment lens group G4A and the second segment lens group G4B inthe fourth lens group G4.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the presentExample, an antireflection coating hereinafter described is formed on anobject side lens surface (surface number 3) of the negative meniscuslens L12 in the first lens group G1 as well as on an object side lenssurface (surface number 6) of the positive meniscus lens L14 in thefirst lens group G1.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the presentExample, zooming from the wide angle end state to the telephoto endstate, is conducted by moving the second lens group G2 and the thirdlens group G3 in the direction of the optical axis such that a distancebetween the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 isincreased and a distance between the second lens group G2 and the thirdlens group G3 is decreased. At this time the first lens group G1, thefourth lens group G4 and the aperture stop S are fixed in the respectivepositions in the direction of the optical axis.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the presentExample, the rear group G1B in the first lens group G1 is moved alongthe optical axis, as the focusing lens group, thereby conductingfocusing from an infinitely distant object to a close distant object.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the presentExample, the second segment lens group G4B in the fourth lens group G4is moved, as a vibration reduction lens group, to have a component in adirection perpendicular to the optical axis, thereby conductingvibration reduction.

It is noted that in a lens system having a focal length f of the wholelens system and a vibration reduction coefficient K, which is a ratio ofa moving amount of an image on the image plane I to a moving amount ofthe vibration reduction lens group upon conducting a vibrationreduction, it is possible to correct rotational camera shake of an angleθ, by moving the vibration reduction lens group by the amount of (f·tanθ)/K perpendicularly to the optical axis.

Accordingly, in the variable magnification optical system according tothe present Example, in the wide angle end state, the vibrationreduction coefficient K is −1.28, and the focal length is 71.40 (mm), sothat the moving amount of the second segment lens group G4B forcorrecting a rotational camera shake of 0.60 degrees is 0.58 (mm). Inthe telephoto end state, the vibration reduction coefficient K is −1.28,and the focal length is 194.00 (mm), so that the moving amount of thesecond segment lens group G4B for correcting a rotational camera shakeof 0.40 degrees is 1.06 (mm).

Table 1 below shows various values of the variable magnification opticalsystem according to the present Example.

In table 1, f denotes a focal length, and BF denotes a back focal length(a distance on the optical axis between the most image side lens surfaceand the image plane I).

In [Surface Data], m denotes an order of an optical surface counted fromthe object side, r denotes a radius of curvature, d denotes asurface-to-surface distance (an interval from an n-th surface to an(n+1)-th surface, where n is an integer.), nd denotes refractive indexfor d-line (wavelength λ=587.6 mm) and νd denotes an Abbe number ford-line (wavelength λ=587.6 mm). Further, OP denotes an object surface,and I denotes an image plane. Meanwhile, radius of curvature r=∞ denotesa plane surface. The position of an aspherical surface is expressed byattaching “*” to the surface number, and in the column of the radius ofcurvature, a paraxial radius of curvature is shown.

In [Aspherical Data], with respect to an aspherical surface shown in[Surface Data], an aspherical surface coefficient and a conicalcoefficient are shown in the case where the aspherical surface isexhibited by the following expression:

x=(h ² /r)/[1+{1−κ(h/r)²}^(1/2) ]+A4h ⁴ +A6h ⁶

where h denotes a vertical height from the optical axis, x denotes a sagamount which is a distance along the optical axis from the tangentsurface at the vertex of the aspherical surface to the asphericalsurface at the vertical height from the optical axis, κ denotes aconical coefficient, A4 and A6 denote respective asphericalcoefficients, and r denotes a paraxial radius of curvature that is aradius of curvature of a reference sphere. “E-n”, where n is an integer,denotes “×10^(−n)”, for example, “1.234E-05” denotes “1.234×10⁻⁵”. The2nd order aspherical surface coefficient A2 is 0, and omitted in thedescription.

In [Various Data], FNO denotes an f-number, ω denotes a half angle ofview (unit “°”), Y denotes an image height, TL denotes a total length ofthe variable magnification optical system, that is, a distance along theoptical axis from the first surface to the image plane I, dn denotes avariable interval between an n-th surface and an (n+1)-th surface.Meanwhile, W denotes a wide-angle end state, M denotes an intermediatefocal length state, and T denotes a telephoto end state.

In [Lens Group Data], ST denotes a starting surface number, that is, themost object side lens surface, of each lens group.

In [Values for Conditional Expressions], values corresponding torespective conditional expressions are shown.

It is noted, here, that “mm” is generally used for the unit of lengthsuch as the focal length f, the radius of curvature r and the unit forother lengths shown in Table 1. However, since similar opticalperformance can be obtained by an optical system proportionally enlargedor reduced its dimension, the unit is not necessarily to be limited to“mm”.

The explanation of reference symbols in Table 1 described above, is thesame in Tables for the other Examples.

TABLE 1 First Example [Surface Data] m r d nd νd OP ∞ 1 140.3879 3.25001.487490 70.31 2 399.4846 16.2331  1.000000 3 151.1551 2.0000 1.90366031.27 4 77.3360 6.2000 1.497820 82.57 5 −417.8459 0.1000 1.000000 672.3229 5.2000 1.497820 82.57 7 810.3397 d7  1.000000 8 −398.4538 1.30001.834810 42.73 9 49.6681 3.9000 1.000000 10 −83.0944 1.2500 1.61800063.34 11 54.6110 2.5500 1.846660 23.80 12 399.8540 1.4500 1.000000 13−70.8083 1.2500 1.729160 54.61 14 84.0230 2.1500 1.846660 23.80 15 ∞ d151.000000 16 204.9027 5.2000 1.717000 47.98 17 −32.6310 1.4000 1.90366031.27 18 −73.6790 d18 1.000000 19 ∞ 0.4000 1.000000 Aperture Stop S 2049.2393 3.7500 1.772500 49.62 21 ∞ 0.3000 1.000000 22 35.5052 4.90001.497820 82.57 23 −162.2410 1.8500 1.903660 31.27 24 41.9940 14.3500 1.000000 25 ∞ 0.5000 1.000000 Flare Stopper FS 26 85.3575 4.00001.805180 25.45 27 −47.5520 1.2000 1.603110 60.69 28 54.4401 4.00001.000000 29 −254.0256 1.2000 2.000690 25.46 30 63.7889 3.9000 1.00000031 81.7216 4.0000 1.589130 61.22 32 −81.7216 0.7000 1.000000 33 77.73124.2000 1.719990 50.27 34 −77.7312 6.5000 1.000000 35 −41.7728 2.00001.834000 37.18 36 −200.4805 BF 1.000000 I ∞ [Various Data] variablemagnification ratio 2.72 W M T f 71.4 135.0 194.0 FNO 4.1 4.1 4.1 ω17.4° 8.9° 6.2° Y 21.6 21.6 21.6 TL 218.3 218.3 218.3 BF 63.693 63.69363.693 W M T d7 2.435 27.748 37.096 d15 25.093 13.529 1.423 d18 15.8772.127 4.886 [Lens Group Data] ST f G1 1 100.018 G1A 1 442.202 G1B 3122.385 G2 8 −28.545 G3 16 100.062 G4 19 85.726 [Values for ConditionalExpression] (1) fw²/(f13w × f4) = −0.26 (2) β2w × β2t = 0.70 (3) N1n −N1p = 0.416 (4) N3n − N3p = 0.187 (5) f4B/f4C = −1.29 (6) f4/f4B = −1.37

FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C are graphs showing various aberrations of thevariable magnification optical system according to the First Exampleupon focusing on an infinitely distant object, in which FIG. 2A is in awide-angle end state, FIG. 2B is in an intermediate focal length state,and FIG. 2C is in a telephoto end state. FIGS. 3A and 3B are graphsshowing meridional transverse aberration of the variable magnificationoptical system according to The First Example upon focusing on aninfinitely distant object with carrying out vibration reduction, inwhich FIG. 3A is in a wide-angle end state, FIG. 3B is in a telephotoend state.

In respective graphs, FNO denotes an f-number, Y denotes an imageheight. In respective graphs, d denotes an aberration curve at d-line(wavelength λ=587.6 nm), and g denotes an aberration curve at g-line(wavelength λ=435.8 nm). In the graph showing astigmatism, a solid lineindicates a sagittal image plane, and a broken line indicates ameridional image plane.

Incidentally, the above-described explanation regarding variousaberration graphs is the same as the other Examples.

As is apparent from the respective graphs, the variable magnificationoptical system according to the present Example shows superb opticalperformance as a result of good corrections to various aberrations inthe wide-angle end state, in the intermediate focal length state, and inthe telephoto end state, and also shows superb optical performance uponcarrying out vibration reduction.

Here, explanation is made on reasons why ghost as well as flare isgenerated in the variable magnification optical system according to thepresent Example.

FIG. 12 is a view showing an example of a state where light raysincident in the variable magnification optical system according to thepresent Example are reflected by a first reflecting surface and a secondreflecting surface therein and generate ghost as well as flare on theimage plane I.

In FIG. 12, light rays BM from the object side gets incident in thevariable magnification optical system, as shown. Then, a portion of thelight rays BM are reflected by an object side lens surface (surfacenumber 6, a first reflecting surface that generates ghost as well asflare) of the positive meniscus lens L14 in the first lens group G1, andfurther reflected again by an object side lens surface (surface number3, a second reflecting surface that generates ghost as well as flare) ofthe negative meniscus lens L12 in the first lens group G1, and finallyreaches the image plane I at which ghost as well as flare is generated.The first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface areconcave lens surfaces viewed from the aperture stop S and the imageplane I.

In the variable magnification optical system of the present Example,antireflection coatings corresponding to light rays of broad wavelengthrange and large incident angles are formed on such lens surfaces, sothat generation of reflection light is suppressed and ghost as well asflare are effectively reduced.

Second Example

FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing a configuration of a variablemagnification optical system according to the Second Example that iscommon to the first to third embodiments of the present application.

The variable magnification optical system according to the presentExample is composed of, in order from an object side: a first lens groupG1 having positive refractive power; a second lens group G2 havingnegative refractive power; a third lens group G3 having positiverefractive power; and a fourth lens group G4 having positive refractivepower.

The first lens group G1 consists of, in order from the object side, afront group G1A having positive refractive power and a rear group G1Bhaving positive refractive power.

The front group G1A consists of a positive meniscus lens L11 having aconvex surface facing the object side.

The rear group G1B consists of, in order from the object side, acemented lens constructed by a negative meniscus lens L12 having aconvex surface facing the object side cemented with a double convexpositive lens L13, and a positive meniscus lens L14 having a convexsurface facing the object side.

The second lens group G2 consists of, in order from the object side, adouble concave negative lens L21, a first negative segment group G2Ahaving negative refractive power and a second negative segment group G2Bhaving negative refractive power.

The first negative segment group G2A consists of, in order from theobject side, a cemented lens constructed by a double concave negativelens L22 cemented with a positive meniscus lens L23 having a convexsurface facing the object side.

The second negative segment group G2B consists of, in order from theobject side, a cemented lens constructed by a positive meniscus lens L24having a concave surface facing the object side cemented with a negativemeniscus lens L25 having a concave surface facing the object side.

The third lens group G3 consists of, in order from the object side, acemented lens constructed by a double convex positive lens L31 cementedwith a negative meniscus lens L32 having a concave surface facing theobject side.

The fourth lens group G4 consists of, in order from the object side, afirst segment lens group G4A having positive refractive power, a secondsegment lens group G4B having negative refractive power, and a thirdsegment lens group G4C having positive refractive power.

The first segment lens group G4A consists of, in order from the objectside, a double convex positive lens L41, and a cemented lens constructedby a double convex positive lens L42 cemented with a double concavenegative lens L43.

The second segment lens group G4B consists of, in order from the objectside, a cemented lens constructed by a positive meniscus lens L44 havinga concave surface facing the object side cemented with a double concavenegative lens L45.

The third segment lens group G4C consists of, in order from the objectside, a double convex positive lens L46, a double convex positive lensL47 and a negative meniscus lens L48 having a concave surface facing theobject side.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the presentExample, an aperture stop S is disposed between the third lens group G3and the fourth lens group G4. A flare stopper FS is disposed between thefirst segment lens group G4A and the second segment lens group G4B inthe fourth lens group G4.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the presentExample, antireflection coatings described hereinafter are respectivelyformed on an image side lens surface (surface number 7) of the positivemeniscus lens L14 in the first lens group G1, on an object side lenssurface (surface number 22) of the positive lens L42 in the fourth lensgroup G4, and on an image side lens surface (surface number 28) of thenegative lens L45 in the fourth lens group G4.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the presentExample, zooming from the wide angle end state to the telephoto endstate, is conducted by moving the second lens group G2 and the thirdlens group G3 in the direction of the optical axis such that a distancebetween the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 isincreased and a distance between the second lens group G2 and the thirdlens group G3 is decreased. At this time the first lens group G1, thefourth lens group G4 and the aperture stop S are fixed in the respectivepositions in the direction of the optical axis.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the presentExample, the rear group G1B in the first lens group G1 is moved alongthe optical axis to the object side, as the focusing lens, therebyconducting focusing from an infinitely distant object to a close distantobject.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the presentExample, the second segment lens group G4B in the fourth lens group G4is moved, as a vibration reduction lens group, to have a component in adirection perpendicular to the optical axis, thereby conductingvibration reduction.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the presentExample, in the wide angle end state, the vibration reductioncoefficient K is −1.30, and the focal length is 71.40 (mm), so that themoving amount of the second segment lens group G4B for correcting arotational camera shake of 0.60 degrees is 0.58 (mm). In the telephotoend state, the vibration reduction coefficient K is −1.30, and the focallength is 196.00 (mm), so that the moving amount of the second segmentlens group G4B for correcting a rotational camera shake of 0.40 degreesis 1.05 (mm).

Table 2 below shows various values of the variable magnification opticalsystem according to the present Example.

TABLE 2 Second Example [Surface Data] m r d nd νd OP ∞ 1 114.3117 3.10001.487490 70.40 2 250.6300 1.5381 1.000000 3 116.4884 2.0000 1.99990031.27 4 70.4720 5.9000 1.497820 82.51 5 −987.3232 0.1000 1.000000 676.0165 5.0000 1.497820 82.51 7 1015.1759 d7  1.000000 8 −447.07871.3000 1.834807 42.72 9 48.2871 3.4185 1.000000 10 −86.5586 1.25001.618000 63.37 11 54.3572 2.5000 1.846660 23.78 12 382.7325 1.89851.000000 13 −56.0641 2.2926 1.846660 23.78 14 −33.9578 0.9753 1.72915754.66 15 −479.7755 d15 1.000000 16 185.6879 5.0000 1.717004 47.93 17−32.9760 1.4000 1.983660 31.27 18 −68.7091 d18 1.000000 19 ∞ 0.40001.000000 Aperture Stop S 20 42.8768 5.0000 1.772499 49.61 21 −206.77450.3000 1.000000 22 76.8439 4.2000 1.497820 82.51 23 −58.3375 1.80001.903660 31.27 24 79.4740 13.0000  1.000000 25 ∞ 1.0000 1.000000 FlareStopper FS 26 −114.4458 4.2000 1.831206 36.74 27 −24.6196 1.20001.714409 53.89 28 56.2022 3.7170 1.000000 29 77.4062 4.0000 1.58913061.16 30 −86.5707 0.2588 1.000000 31 173.1935 4.0000 1.719995 50.23 32−55.2566 4.9362 1.000000 33 −33.3186 2.0400 1.834000 37.16 34 −123.8827BF 1.000000 I ∞ [Various Data] variable magnification ratio 2.75 W M T f71.4 133.0 196.0 FNO 4.1 4.1 4.1 ω 17.4° 9.1° 6.1° Y 21.6 21.6 21.6 TL215.0 215.0 215.0 BF 70.4 70.4 70.4 W M T d7 1.877 27.161 37.583 d1521.821 12.568 1.200 d18 18.430 2.400 3.347 [Lens Group Data] ST f G1 1100.977 G1A 1 427.937 G1B 3 125.000 G2 8 −27.635 G3 16 99.374 G4 1980.000 [Values for Conditional Expression] (1) fw²/(f13w × f4) = −0.36(2) β2w × β2t = 0.61 (3) N1n −N1p = 0.512 (4) N3n −N3p = 0.267 (5)f4B/f4C = −1.05 (6) f4/f4B = −1.23

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C are graphs showing various aberrations of thevariable magnification optical system according to the Second Example ofthe present application upon focusing on an infinitely distant object,in which FIG. 5A shows various aberrations in the wide-angle end state,FIG. 5B shows various aberrations in the intermediate focal lengthstate, and FIG. 5C shows various aberrations in the telephoto end state.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are graphs showing meridional transverse aberration ofthe variable magnification optical system according to the SecondExample upon focusing on an infinitely distant object with conductingvibration reduction, in which FIG. 5A is in a wide-angle end state, FIG.5B is in a telephoto end state.

As is apparent from the respective graphs, the variable magnificationoptical system according to the present Example shows superb opticalperformance as a result of good corrections to various aberrations inthe wide-angle end state, in the intermediate focal length state, and inthe telephoto end state, and also shows superb optical performance uponconducting vibration reduction.

Third Example

FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing a configuration of a variablemagnification optical system according to the Third Example that iscommon to the first to third embodiments of the present application.

The variable magnification optical system according to the presentExample is composed of, in order from an object side: a first lens groupG1 having positive refractive power; a second lens group G2 havingnegative refractive power; a third lens group G3 having positiverefractive power; and a fourth lens group G4 having positive refractivepower.

The first lens group G1 consists of, in order from the object side, afront group G1A having positive refractive power and a rear group G1Bhaving positive refractive power.

The front group G1A consists of a positive meniscus lens L11 having aconvex surface facing the object side.

The rear group G1B consists of, in order from the object side, anegative meniscus lens L12 having a convex surface facing the objectside, a double convex positive lens L13, and a positive meniscus lensL14 having a convex surface facing the object side.

The second lens group G2 consists of, in order from the object side, adouble concave negative lens L21, a first negative segment group G2Ahaving negative refractive power and a second negative segment group G2Bhaving negative refractive power, and a cemented lens constructed by anegative meniscus lens L26 having a convex surface facing the objectside cemented with a positive meniscus lens L27 having a convex surfacefacing the object side.

The first negative segment group G2A consists of, in order from theobject side, a cemented lens constructed by a double concave negativelens L22 cemented with a double convex positive lens L23.

The second negative segment group G2B consists of, in order from theobject side, a cemented lens constructed by a double concave negativelens L24 cemented with a positive meniscus lens L25 having a convexsurface facing the object side.

The third lens group G3 consists of, in order from the object side, acemented lens constructed by a double convex positive lens L31 cementedwith a negative meniscus lens L32 having a concave surface facing theobject side.

The fourth lens group G4 consists of, in order from the object side, afirst segment lens group G4A having positive refractive power, a secondsegment lens group G4B having negative refractive power, and a thirdsegment lens group G4C having positive refractive power.

The first segment lens group G4A consists of, in order from the objectside, a double convex positive lens L41, and a cemented lens constructedby a double convex positive lens L42 cemented with a double concavenegative lens L43.

The second segment lens group G4B consists of, in order from the objectside, a cemented lens constructed by a double convex positive lens L44cemented with a double concave negative lens L45, and a double concavenegative lens L46.

The third segment lens group G4C consists of, in order from the objectside, a double convex positive lens L47, a double convex positive lensL48 and a negative meniscus lens L49 having a concave surface facing theobject side.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the presentExample, an aperture stop S is disposed between the third lens group G3and the fourth lens group G4. A flare stopper FS is disposed between thefirst segment lens group G4A and the second segment lens group G4B inthe fourth lens group G4.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the presentExample, antireflection coatings described hereinafter are formed on anobject side lens surface (surface number 35) of the positive lens L47 inthe fourth lens group G4, and on an image side lens surface (surfacenumber 38) of the positive lens L48 in the fourth lens group G4,respectively.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the presentExample, zooming from the wide angle end state to the telephoto endstate, is conducted by moving the second lens group G2 and the thirdlens group G3 in the direction of the optical axis such that a distancebetween the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 isincreased and a distance between the second lens group G2 and the thirdlens group G3 is decreased. At this time the first lens group G1, thefourth lens group G4 and the aperture stop S are fixed in the respectivepositions in the direction of the optical axis.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the presentExample, the rear group G1B in the first lens group G1 is moved alongthe optical axis, as the focusing lens group, thereby conductingfocusing from an infinitely distant object to a close distant object.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the presentExample, the second segment lens group G4B in the fourth lens group G4is moved, as a vibration reduction lens group, to have a component in adirection perpendicular to the optical axis, thereby conductingvibration reduction.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the presentExample, in the wide angle end state, the vibration reductioncoefficient K is −1.25, and the focal length is 71.40 (mm), so that themoving amount of the second segment lens group G4B for correcting arotational camera shake of 0.60 degrees is 0.60 (mm). In the telephotoend state, the vibration reduction coefficient K is −1.25, and the focallength is 196.00 (mm), so that the moving amount of the second segmentlens group G4B for correcting a rotational camera shake of 0.40 degreesis 1.09 (mm).

Table 3 below shows various values of the variable magnification opticalsystem according to the present Example.

TABLE 3 Third Example [Surface Data] m r d nd νd OP ∞  1 106.6632 3.10001.487490 70.40  2 199.7941 1.5692 1.000000  3 142.3931 2.0000 1.90366031.27  4 75.6158 0.2868 1.000000  5 78.7661 5.9000 1.497820 82.51  6−383.8553 0.1000 1.000000  7 71.4936 5.0000 1.497820 82.51  8 699.8249d8  1.000000  9 −393.6712 1.3000 1.834807 42.72 *10  49.0673 3.42111.000000 11 −82.1898 1.2500 1.618000 63.37 12 101.6648 2.5000 1.84666023.78 13 −582.9212 1.3136 1.000000 14 −63.2759 1.2500 1.729157 54.66 1572.4825 2.0000 1.846660 23.78 16 140.1819 0.5000 1.000000 17 130.00001.0000 1.729157 54.66 18 72.4791 2.0000 1.846660 23.78 19 267.6447 d191.000000 20 197.2091 5.0000 1.717004 47.93 21 −30.9148 1.4000 1.90366031.27 22 −68.1545 d22 1.000000 23 ∞ 0.4000 1.000000 Aperture Stop S 2454.9704 3.5621 1.772499 49.61 25 −382.1637 0.3000 1.000000 26 35.32284.7657 1.497820 82.51 27 −153.2875 1.8000 1.903660 31.27 28 43.469814.5500  1.000000 29 ∞ 2.4000 1.000000 Flare Stopper FS 30 75.15214.0926 1.805181 25.43 31 −49.2642 1.2000 1.603112 60.67 32 54.18504.0000 1.000000 33 −255.8175 1.2000 2.000690 25.45 34 59.1251 3.69311.000000 35 89.8085 4.6000 1.589130 61.16 36 −89.8089 0.7000 1.000000 3774.8902 4.9136 1.719995 50.23 38 −74.8919 6.3038 1.000000 39 −43.23822.0400 1.834000 37.16 40 −284.0645 BF 1.000000 I ∞ [Aspherical SurfaceData] m κ A4 A6 10 0.8103 2.25086E−08 −4.50461E−10 [Various Data]variable magnification ratio 2.75 W M T f 71.4 133.0 196.0 FNO 4.1 4.14.1 ω 17.4° 9.1° 6.1° Y 21.6 21.6 21.6 TL 219.5 219.5 219.5 BF 61.58161.581 61.581 W M T d8 1.964 27.551 37.966 d19 21.203 11.989 1.200 d2218.836 2.400 2.787 [Lens Group Data] ST f G1 1 100.147 G1A 1 464.329 G1B3 120.905 G2 9 −27.080 G3 20 92.564 G4 23 84.614 [Values for ConditionalExpression] (1) fw²/(f13w × f4) = −0.29 (2) β2w × β2t = 0.58 (3) N1n −N1p = 0.416 (4) N3n − N3p = 0.187 (5) f4B/f4C = −1.23 (6) f4/f4B = −1.34

FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C are graphs showing various aberrations of thevariable magnification optical system according to the Third Example ofthe present application upon focusing on an infinitely distant object,in which FIG. 8A shows various aberrations in the wide-angle end state,FIG. 8B shows various aberrations in the intermediate focal lengthstate, and FIG. 8C shows various aberrations in the telephoto end state.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are graphs showing meridional transverse aberration ofthe variable magnification optical system according to the SecondExample upon focusing on an infinitely distant object with conductingvibration reduction, in which FIG. 9A is in a wide-angle end state, FIG.9B is in a telephoto end state.

As is apparent from the respective graphs, the variable magnificationoptical system according to the present Example shows superb opticalperformance as a result of good corrections to various aberrations inthe wide-angle end state, in the intermediate focal length state, and inthe telephoto end state, and also shows superb optical performance uponconducting vibration reduction.

Then, a multi-layered broadband antireflection coating which is anantireflection coating used for variable magnification optical systemsaccording to the first to the third embodiments of the presentapplication will be described.

FIG. 13 is a view showing one example of a structure of anantireflection coating used for the variable magnification opticalsystems according to the first through the third embodiments of thepresent application.

The antireflection coating 101 is, as shown in FIG. 13, a 7-layeredstructure from a first layer 101 a to a seventh layer 101 g and formedon an optical surface of an optical member 102 such as a lens.

The first layer 101 a consists of aluminum oxide vapor-deposited on theoptical surface of the optical member 102 by a vacuum evaporationmethod.

A second layer 101 b consists of a mixture of titanium oxide andzirconium oxide vapor-deposited on the first layer 101 a by the vacuumevaporation method.

A third layer 101 c consists of the aluminum oxide vapor-deposited onthe second layer 101 b by the vacuum evaporation method.

A fourth layer 101 d consists of the mixture of titanium oxide andzirconium oxide vapor-deposited on the third layer 101 c by the vacuumevaporation method.

A fifth layer 101 e consists of aluminum oxide vapor-deposited on thefourth layer 101 d by the vacuum evaporation method.

A sixth layer 101 f consists of the mixture of titanium oxide andzirconium oxide vapor-deposited on the fifth layer 101 e by the vacuumevaporation method.

A seventh layer 101 g consists of a mixture of magnesium fluoride andsilica formed on the sixth layer 101 f by a wet process. The formationof the seventh layer 101 g involves using a sol-gel process classifiedas one type of the wet process. The sol-gel process is a process oftransforming a sol acquired by mixing a material into a gel having nofluidity through hydrolyzing condensation polymerization reaction andacquiring a product by heat-decomposing this gel. In manufacturing anoptical thin film, the film may be generated by coating a material solof the optical thin film over the optical surface of the optical memberand dry-solidifying the sol into a gel film. Note that the wet processmay involve using, without being limited to the sol-gel process, aprocess of acquiring a solid-state film through none of the gel state.

As described above, the first layer 101 a through the sixth layer 101 fof the antireflection coating 101 are formed by electron beamevaporation defined as a dry process, and the uppermost seventh layer101 g is formed by the wet process using a sol liquid prepared by ahydrogen fluoride/acetic acid magnesium process. The first layer 101 athrough the seventh layer 101 g are formed in the following procedures.

To begin with, an aluminum oxide layer serving as the first layer 101 a,a titanium oxide-zirconium oxide mixture layer serving as the secondlayer 101 b, an aluminum oxide layer serving as the third layer 101 c, atitanium oxide-zirconium oxide mixture layer serving as the fourth layer101 d, an aluminum oxide layer serving as the fifth layer 101 e and atitanium oxide-zirconium oxide mixture layer serving as the sixth layer101 f, are formed in this sequence on a lens film growth surface that isthe optical surface of the optical member 102 described above by using avacuum evaporation apparatus.

Then, the layer composed of a mixture of magnesium fluoride and silicais formed as the seventh layer 101 g by coating on the lens film growthsurface silicon alkoxide-added sol liquid prepared by the hydrogenfluoride/acetic acid magnesium process in a way that uses a spin coatingmethod. The formula (a) given below is a reaction formula on theoccasion of being prepared by the hydrogen fluoride/acetic acidmagnesium process:

2HF+Mg(CH3COO)2→MgF2+2CH3COOH  (a).

The sol liquid used for this film growth, after mixing the materials andafter conducting a high-temperature pressurization maturing process at140° C. for 24 hours in an autoclave, is used for growing the film. Theoptical member 102, after finishing the film growth of the seventh layer101 g, undergoes a heating process at 160° C. for one hour in theatmospheric air and is thus completed. With the use of the sol-gelprocess, particles on the order of several nanometers (nm) to severaldozens nanometers (nm) in particle size are deposited while the air gapsremain, thereby forming the seventh layer 101 g.

Optical performance of the optical member including the thus-formedantireflection coating 101 will hereinafter be described by usingspectral characteristics shown in FIG. 14.

The lens which is the optical member including the antireflectioncoating according to the present application is formed under theconditions shown in the following Table 4. Herein, the Table 4 showsrespective optical film thicknesses of the layers, that is, the firstlayer 101 a through the seventh layer 101 g of the antireflectioncoating 101, which are obtained under such conditions that λ denotes areference wavelength and the refractive index of the substrate (opticalmember) is set to 1.62, 1.74 and 1.85. Note that the Table 4 and Tables5 and 6 show Al2O3 expressed as the aluminum oxide, ZrO2+TiO2 expressedas the mixture of titanium oxide and zirconium oxide and MgF2+SiO2expressed as the mixture of magnesium fluoride and silica. In Tables 4to 6, N denotes refractive index and D denotes optical film thickness.

TABLE 4 material N D D D medium air 1 7^(th) layer MgF2 + SiO2 1.260.268λ 0.271λ 0.269λ 6^(th) layer ZrO2 + TiO2 2.12 0.057λ 0.054λ 0.059λ5^(th) layer Al2O3 1.65 0.171λ 0.178λ 0.162λ 4^(th) layer ZrO2 + TiO22.12 0.127λ 0.13λ 0.158λ 3^(rd) layer Al2O3 1.65 0.122λ 0.107λ 0.08λ2^(nd) layer ZrO2 + TiO2 2.12 0.059λ 0.075λ 0.105λ 1^(st) layer Al2O31.65 0.257λ 0.03λ 0.03λ refractive index of substrate 1.62 1.74 1.85

FIG. 14 shows the spectral characteristics when the light beamsvertically get incident on the optical member in which the optical filmthickness of each of the layers of the antireflection coating 101 isdesigned, with the reference wavelength λ set to 550 nm in the Table 4.

It is understood from FIG. 14 that the optical member including theantireflection coating 101 designed with the reference wavelength λ setto 550 nm can restrain the reflectance down to 0.2% or less over theentire range in which the wavelengths of the light beams are 420 nmthrough 720 nm. Further, in the Table 4, even the optical memberincluding the antireflection coating 101, in which each optical filmthickness is designed with the reference wavelength λ set to the d-line(wavelength 587.6 nm), has substantially the same spectralcharacteristics as in the case where the reference wavelength λ shown inFIG. 14 is 550 nm in a way that affects substantially none of thespectral characteristics thereof.

Next, a modified Example of the antireflection coating will beexplained.

The antireflection coating according to the modified Example has a5-layered structure composed of the first layer through the fifth layer.Optical thickness of each layer with respect to reference wavelength λis designed by conditions shown in Table 5 below, in the same way asTable 4. According to the modified Example, the aforementioned sol-gelmethod is used for forming the fifth layer.

TABLE 5 material N D D medium air 1 5^(th) layer MgF2 + SiO2 1.26 0.275λ0.269λ 4^(th) layer ZrO2 + TiO2 2.12 0.045λ 0.043λ 3^(rd) layer Al2O31.65 0.212λ 0.217λ 2^(nd) layer ZrO2 + TiO2 2.12 0.077λ 0.066λ 1^(st)layer Al2O3 1.65 0.288λ 0.290λ refractive index of substrate 1.46 1.52

FIG. 15 shows the spectral characteristics when the light beamsvertically get incident on the optical member formed with theantireflection coating in which the optical film thickness of each ofthe layers of the antireflection coating is designed, with therefractive index of the substrate being 1.52 and the referencewavelength λ being 550 nm in the Table 5.

It is understood from FIG. 15 that the antireflection coating accordingto the modified Example can restrain the reflectance down to 0.2% orless over the entire range in which the wavelengths of the light beamsare 420 nm through 720 nm. Note that, in the Table 5, even the opticalmember including the antireflection coating, in which each optical filmthickness is designed with the reference wavelength λ set to the d-line(wavelength 587.6 nm), has substantially the same spectralcharacteristics as shown in FIG. 15 with none of the spectralcharacteristics being affected.

FIG. 16 shows the spectral characteristics in such a case that theincident angles of the light beams upon the optical member having thespectral characteristics shown in FIG. 15 are 30 degrees, 45 degrees and60 degrees, respectively. Note that FIGS. 15 and 16 do not illustratethe spectral characteristics of the optical member including theantireflection coating shown in Table 5 in which the substraterefractive index is 1.46, however, it is understood that the opticalmember has substantially the same spectral characteristics such as thesubstrate refractive index being 1.52.

To compare, an example of antireflection coating formed by a dry processonly such as a conventional vacuum vapor deposition method, is shown inFIG. 17. FIG. 17 shows the spectral characteristics when the light beamsvertically get incident on the optical member formed with theantireflection coating designed under the conditioned shown in Table 6below. FIG. 18 shows the spectral characteristics in such a case thatthe incident angles of the light beams upon the optical member havingthe spectral characteristics shown in FIG. 17 are 30 degrees, 45 degreesand 60 degrees, respectively.

TABLE 6 material N D medium air 1 7^(th) layer MgF2 1.39 0.243λ 6^(th)layer ZrO2 + TiO2 2.12 0.119λ 5^(th) layer Al2O3 1.65 0.057λ 4^(th)layer ZrO2 + TiO2 2.12 0.220λ 3^(rd) layer Al2O3 1.65 0.064λ 2^(nd)layer ZrO2 + TiO2 2.12 0.057λ 1^(st) layer Al2O3 1.65 0.193λ refractiveindex of substrate 1.52

The spectral characteristics of the optical member having theantireflection coating of the present application shown in FIG. 14through FIG. 16 being compared with the spectral characteristics of theconventional examples shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, it is well understoodthat any of the antireflection coatings of the present application havelower reflectance at any incident angles, and moreover low reflectanceover broader band range.

Next, the antireflection coating of the present application(antireflection coating in Table 4) described above and the modifiedExample thereof (antireflection coating in Table 5) applied to thevariable magnification optical systems according to the respectiveExamples described above will be illustrated.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the FirstExample, refractive index of the negative meniscus lens L12 of the firstlens group G1 is 1.903660 as shown in Table 1, and refractive index ofthe positive meniscus lens L14 of the first lens group G1 is 1.497820 asshown in Table 1.

Antireflection coating corresponding to the substrate whose refractiveindex is 1.85 shown in Table 4 is used onto the object side lens surfaceof the negative meniscus lens L12. Antireflection coating correspondingto the substrate whose refractive index is 1.52 shown in Table 5 is usedonto the object side lens surface of the negative meniscus lens L14.

Thus, the variable magnification optical system according to the FirstExample can reduce light rays reflected by each lens surface appliedwith antireflection coating so that ghost as well as flare can beeffectively reduced.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the SecondExample, refractive indices of the positive meniscus lens L14 of thefirst lens group G1 and of the positive lens L42 of the fourth lensgroup G4 each is 1.497820 as shown in Table 2, and refractive index ofthe negative lens L45 of the fourth lens group G4 is 1.714409 as shownin Table 2.

Antireflection coatings corresponding to the substrate whose refractiveindex is 1.52 shown in Table 5 are used onto both of the image side lenssurface of the positive meniscus lens L14 and the object side lenssurface of the positive lens L42. Antireflection coating correspondingto the substrate whose refractive index is 1.74 shown in Table 4 is usedonto the image side lens surface of the negative lens L45.

Thus, the variable magnification optical system according to the SecondExample can reduce light rays reflected by each lens surface appliedwith antireflection coating so that ghost as well as flare can beeffectively reduced.

In the variable magnification optical system according to the ThirdExample, refractive index of the positive lens L47 of the fourth lensgroup G4 is 1.589130 as shown in Table 3, and refractive index of thepositive lens L48 of the fourth lens group G4 is 1.719995 as shown inTable 3.

Antireflection coating corresponding to the substrate whose refractiveindex is 1.62 shown in Table 4 is used onto the object side lens surfaceof the positive lens L47. Antireflection coating corresponding to thesubstrate whose refractive index is 1.74 shown in Table 4 is used ontothe image side lens surface of the negative lens L48.

Thus, the variable magnification optical system according to the ThirdExample is capable of reducing light rays reflected by each lens surfaceapplied with antireflection coating so that ghost as well as flare canbe effectively reduced.

As described above, according to the above respective Examples, it ispossible to realize the variable magnification optical systems which cansuppress variations in aberrations upon zooming, reduce ghost as well asflare and have superb optical performance from the wide angle end stateto the telephoto end state. Particularly, the variable magnificationoptical system according to each of the Examples, can reducedeterioration in optical performances caused by manufacturing errors.Further, the variable magnification optical system according to each ofthe Examples, can attain superb optical performance even in theintermediate focal length state.

Note that each of the above described Examples is a concrete example ofthe invention of the present application, and the invention of thepresent application is not limited to them. The contents described belowcan be adopted without deteriorating optical performance of the variablemagnification optical systems according to the first to the thirdembodiments of the present application.

Although the variable magnification optical systems each having a fourgroup configuration were illustrated above as numerical examples of thevariable magnification optical systems according to the first to thethird embodiments of the present application, the present application isnot limited to them and the variable magnification optical systemshaving other configurations, such as five group configuration and thelike, can be configured. Concretely, a lens configuration that a lens ora lens group is added to the most object side thereof is possible, and alens configuration that a lens or a lens group is added to the mostimage side thereof is also possible.

Further, in the variable magnification optical systems according to thefirst to the third embodiments of the present application, in order tovary focusing from an infinitely distance object to a close object, aportion of a lens group, a single lens group in the entirety thereof, ora plurality of lens groups can be moved along the optical axis as afocusing lens group. It is particularly preferable that at least aportion of the first lens group is moved as the focusing lens group. Thefocusing lens group can be used for auto focus, and suitable for beingdriven by a motor such as an ultrasonic motor.

Further, in the variable magnification optical systems according to thefirst to the third embodiments of the present application, any lensgroup in the entirety thereof or a portion thereof can be shifted in adirection including a component perpendicular to the optical axis as avibration reduction lens group, or rotationally moved (swayed) in adirection including the optical axis for correcting an image blur causedby a camera shake. Particularly, in the variable magnification opticalsystems according to the first to the third embodiments of the presentapplication, it is preferable that at least a portion of the fourth lensgroup is used as a vibration reduction lens group.

Further, in the variable magnification optical systems according to thefirst to the third embodiments of the present application, a lenssurface of a lens may be a spherical surface, a plane surface, or anaspherical surface. When a lens surface is a spherical surface or aplane surface, lens processing, assembling and adjustment become easy,and it is possible to prevent deterioration in optical performancecaused by lens processing, assembling and adjustment errors, so that itis preferable. Moreover, even if the image plane is shifted,deterioration in optical performance is little, so that it ispreferable. When a lens surface is an aspherical surface, the asphericalsurface may be fabricated by a grinding process, a glass molding processthat a glass material is formed into an aspherical shape by a mold, or acompound type process that a resin material is formed into an asphericalshape on a glass lens surface. A lens surface may be a diffractiveoptical surface, and a lens may be a graded-index type lens (GRIN lens)or a plastic lens.

Further, in the variable magnification optical systems according to thefirst to the third embodiments of the present application, it ispreferable that an aperture stop is disposed between the third lensgroup and the fourth lens group, and the function may be substituted bya lens frame without disposing a member as an aperture stop.

Moreover, the lens surface(s) of the lenses configuring the variablemagnification optical systems according to the first to the thirdembodiments of the present application, may be coated withantireflection coating(s) having a high transmittance in a broad waverange. With this contrivance, it is feasible to reducing a flare as wellas ghost and attain the high contrast and the high optical performance.

Next, a camera equipped with the variable magnification optical systemaccording to the first to the third embodiments of the presentapplication, will be explained with referring to FIG. 10.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing a configuration of a camera equippedwith the variable magnification optical system according to the first tothe third embodiments of the present application. The present camera 1is a single-lens reflex digital camera equipped with the variablemagnification optical system according to the First Example as animaging lens 2.

In the present camera 1, light emitted from an unillustrated object isconverged by the imaging lens 2, reflected by a quick return mirror 3,and focused on a focusing screen 4. The light focused on the focusingscreen 4 is reflected a plurality of times in a pentagonal roof prism 5,and is led to an eyepiece 6. Accordingly, a photographer can observe theobject image as an erected image through the eyepiece 6.

When the photographer presses an unillustrated release button down, thequick return mirror 3 is retracted from the optical path, and the lightfrom the unillustrated object forms an object image on an imaging device7. Accordingly, the light emitted from the object is captured by theimaging device 7, and stored in an unillustrated memory as aphotographed image of the object. In this manner, the photographer cantake a picture of an object by the camera 1.

The variable magnification optical system according to the First Exampleinstalled as the imaging lens 2 in the camera 1, has excellent opticalperformances from the wide angle end state to the telephoto end state bysuppressing variations in aberrations upon zooming as above described,suppressing deterioration in optical performance upon conductingvibration reduction and reducing a ghost as well as flare.

In other words, the present camera 1 can suppress variations inaberrations upon zooming, suppress deterioration in optical performanceupon conducting vibration reduction and reduce a ghost as well as flare,and realize excellent optical performances from the wide angle end stateto the telephoto end state.

Incidentally, even if a variable magnification optical system accordingto the Second or the Third Example is installed as an imaging lens 2 ina camera, the same effect as the camera 1 can be obtained.

Further, even if a variable magnification optical system according toeach of the First to the Third Examples is installed in a camera, whichdoes not include a quick return mirror 3, the same effect as the abovedescribed camera 1 can be obtained.

Finally, an outline of a method for manufacturing a variablemagnification optical system according to the first to the thirdembodiments of the present application, is described with referring toFIGS. 11, 19 and 20.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an outline of a method for manufacturinga variable magnification optical system according to the firstembodiment of the present application.

The method for manufacturing the variable magnification optical systemaccording to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 19, is a method formanufacturing a variable magnification optical system, comprising, inorder from an object side: a first lens group having positive refractivepower; a second lens group having negative refractive power; a thirdlens group having positive refractive power; and a fourth lens grouphaving positive refractive power; and the method comprises the followingsteps of S11 to S13:

Step S11: preparing the first lens group to the fourth lens group suchthat the following conditional expression (1) is satisfied:

−1.20<fw ²/(f13w×f4)<−0.20  (1)

where f13w denotes a composite focal length of the first lens group tothe third lens group in the wide angle end state, f4 denotes a focallength of the fourth lens group, and fw denotes a focal length of thevariable magnification optical system in the wide angle end state, anddisposing each lens group in order from an object side into a lensbarrel.

Step S12: providing a known movement mechanism and constructing at leastthe second lens group and the third lens group to be movable in adirection of the optical axis such that, upon zooming from a wide-angleend state to a telephoto end state, the first lens group is fixed in aposition in the direction of the optical axis, a distance between thefirst lens group and the second lens group is increased and a distancebetween the second lens group and the third lens group is decreased.

Step S13: providing a known movement mechanism and constructing at leasta portion of the first to the fourth lens groups to be moved to have acomponent in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

Thus, the method for manufacturing a variable magnification opticalsystem according to the first embodiment of the present applicationmakes it possible to manufacture a variable magnification optical systemhaving excellent optical performance from a wide-angle end state to atelephoto end state, with suppressing variations in aberrations uponzooming.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an outline of a method for manufacturinga variable magnification optical system according to the secondembodiment of the present application.

The method for manufacturing the variable magnification optical systemaccording to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 20, is a method formanufacturing a variable magnification optical system comprising, inorder from an object side: a first lens group having positive refractivepower; a second lens group having negative refractive power; a thirdlens group having positive refractive power; and a fourth lens grouphaving positive refractive power; and the method comprises the followingsteps of S21 to S24.

Step S21: constructing the fourth lens group to comprise, in order fromthe object side, a first segment lens group having positive refractivepower, a second segment lens group having negative refractive power anda third segment lens group having positive refractive power.

Step S22: preparing the first lens group to the fourth lens group suchthat the fourth lens group satisfies the following conditionalexpressions (5) and (6):

−1.60<f4B/f4C<−0.50  (5)

−1.60<f4/f4B<−0.60  (6)

where f4 denotes a focal length of the fourth lens group, f4B denotes afocal length of the second segment lens group, and f4C denotes a focallength of the third segment lens group, and arranging the respectivelens groups in a lens barrel in order from the object side.

Step S23: providing a known movement mechanism and constructing at leastthe second lens group and the third lens group to be movable in thedirection of the optical axis such that, upon zooming from a wide-angleend state to a telephoto end state, the first lens group is fixed in aposition in the direction of the optical axis, a distance between thefirst lens group and the second lens group is increased and a distancebetween the second lens group and the third lens group is decreased.

Step S24: providing a known movement mechanism and constructing at leasta portion of the second segment lens group to be movable to have acomponent in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

Thus, the method for manufacturing a variable magnification opticalsystem according to the second embodiment of the present applicationmakes it possible to manufacture a variable magnification optical systemhaving excellent optical performance from a wide-angle end state to atelephoto end state, with suppressing variations in aberrations uponconducting vibration reduction.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an outline of a method for manufacturinga variable magnification optical system according to the thirdembodiment of the present application.

The method for manufacturing the variable magnification optical systemaccording to the third embodiment is a method for manufacturing avariable magnification optical system comprising, in order from anobject side: a first lens group having positive refractive power; asecond lens group having negative refractive power; a third lens grouphaving positive refractive power; and a fourth lens group havingpositive refractive power; and the method comprises the following stepsof S31 to S34.

Step S31: forming an antireflection coating on at least one of opticalsurfaces in the first lens group and the fourth lens group, theantireflection coating including at least one layer formed by a wetprocess.

Step S32: preparing the first lens group to the fourth lens group suchthat the following conditional expression (1) is satisfied:

−1.20<fw ²/(f13w×f4)<−0.20  (1)

where f13w denotes a composite focal length of the first lens group tothe third lens group in the wide angle end state, f4 denotes a focallength of the fourth lens group, and fw denotes a focal length of thevariable magnification optical system in the wide angle end state, andarranging, in order from the object side, the respective lens groups ina lens barrel.

Step S33: providing a known movement mechanism and constructing at leastthe second lens group and the third lens group to be movable in adirection of the optical axis such that, upon zooming from a wide-angleend state to a telephoto end state, the first lens group is fixed in aposition in the direction of the optical axis, a distance between thefirst lens group and the second lens group is increased and a distancebetween the second lens group and the third lens group is decreased.

Step S34: providing a known movement mechanism and constructing at leasta portion of the first to the fourth lens groups to be moved to have acomponent in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

Thus, the method for manufacturing a variable magnification opticalsystem according to the third embodiment of the present applicationmakes it possible to manufacture a variable magnification optical systemhaving excellent optical performance from a wide-angle end state to atelephoto end state, with suppressing variations in aberrations uponzooming, and reducing a ghost as well as flare.

1. A variable magnification optical system comprising, in order from anobject side: a first lens group having positive refractive power; asecond lens group having negative refractive power; a third lens grouphaving positive refractive power; and a fourth lens group havingpositive refractive power; upon zooming from a wide-angle end state to atelephoto end state, the first lens group being fixed in a position inthe direction of the optical axis, and at least the second lens groupand the third lens group being moved in the direction of the opticalaxis such that a distance between the first lens group and the secondlens group is increased and a distance between the second lens group andthe third lens group is decreased; at least a portion of the first lensgroup to the fourth lens group being moved to have a component in adirection perpendicular to the optical axis; and the followingconditional expression being satisfied:−1.20<fw ²/(f13w×f4)<−0.20 where f13w denotes a composite focal lengthof the first lens group to the third lens group in the wide angle endstate, f4 denotes a focal length of the fourth lens group, and fwdenotes a focal length of the variable magnification optical system inthe wide angle end state. 2-46. (canceled)